Renaissance and Baroque Art

Renaissance Period

A cultural movement from the 14th to 17th century characterized by a revival of classical learning, humanism, and artistic innovation.

Baroque Period

An artistic style of the 17th century known for drama, grandeur, emotion, and movement in art, architecture, and music.

Characteristics of Renaissance Art

Focus on humanism, realism, perspective, symmetry, proportion, and naturalism.

Characteristics of Baroque Art

Emphasis on movement, emotion, dramatic lighting, and grandeur; often used to convey religious themes.

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti

Italian Renaissance artist known for sculpture, painting, and architecture; created Pieta and David.

Michelangelo’s Pieta

A marble sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Jesus; symbolizes compassion and sorrow.

Michelangelo’s David

Represents the biblical hero David; a symbol of strength and youthful beauty; demonstrates anatomical precision.

Leonardo da Vinci

Renaissance polymath—painter, scientist, architect, and inventor; considered the ultimate “Renaissance Man.”

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

Famous portrait known for its mysterious smile, atmospheric perspective, and subtle shading (sfumato).

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Depicts Jesus and the apostles during the moment Jesus announces his betrayal; noted for composition and perspective.

Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (Raphael)

Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance; known for clarity, harmony, and grace in his compositions.

Raphael’s Sistine Madonna

Painting featuring the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus with cherubs; represents divine serenity and grace.

Raphael’s School of Athens

Depicts ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle; symbolizes the unity of classical philosophy and Renaissance art.

Raphael’s Style

Characterized by clarity of form, ease of composition, and ideal beauty.

Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (Donatello)

Renaissance sculptor known for developing bas-relief (shallow relief) techniques; works include David and St. George.

Donatello’s David

One of the first freestanding nude sculptures since antiquity; symbolizes civic virtue and human beauty.

Donatello’s St. George

Sculpture of the Christian saint; symbolizes courage and protection.

Bas-Relief

A sculptural technique involving shallow carving to create slight projection from the background.

Key Characteristics of Baroque Art

Drama, realism, intense emotion, movement, and theatrical compositions.

Baroque Themes

Religious devotion, grandeur, and the celebration of divine power.

Dramatic Lighting in Baroque Art

Use of light and dark contrast (tenebrism) to create emotional intensity and focus.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

Italian Baroque painter known for realism and dramatic use of light (tenebrism).

Caravaggio’s Style

Used ordinary people as models for religious scenes; emphasized emotion and realism.

Caravaggio’s The Calling of St. Matthew

Depicts Jesus calling Matthew to follow him; dramatic lighting highlights the moment of transformation.

Caravaggio’s The Conversion of St. Paul

Depicts Paul’s moment of divine revelation; strong contrasts of light symbolize spiritual awakening.

Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish Baroque artist known for dynamic compositions, vibrant color, and robust figures.

Rubens’ Style

Energetic and theatrical; used swirling movement and dramatic poses.

Rubens’ The Elevation of the Cross

Dramatic scene showing figures lifting the cross of Christ; emphasizes strength and devotion.

Rubens’ The Descent from the Cross

Depicts Christ’s removal from the cross; showcases emotion and compassion.

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez

Spanish Baroque painter; master of realism and portraiture; court painter to King Philip IV of Spain.

Velázquez’s Style

Expert use of perspective, atmosphere, and natural light; depicted both royalty and commoners.

Velázquez’s Las Meninas

Complex portrait of Spanish royalty; explores perspective and viewer engagement.

Velázquez’s The Surrender of Breda

Depicts a historic event with realism and dignity; symbolizes reconciliation and honor.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Italian Baroque sculptor and architect; known as the master of Baroque sculpture.

Bernini’s Style

Captured movement, emotion, and drama in marble sculptures; created lifelike expressions and textures.

Bernini’s Ecstasy of St. Therese

Depicts St. Theresa’s spiritual vision with emotional intensity and dynamic composition.

Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne

Marble sculpture showing Daphne’s transformation into a laurel tree; represents motion and divine pursuit.

Tenebrism

A painting technique using extreme contrasts of light and dark to heighten drama and focus.

Chiaroscuro

Use of light and shadow to create the illusion of volume and depth.

Humanism (Renaissance)

Belief that human beings, their achievements, and intellect are of central importance.

Perspective in Renaissance Art

A technique that creates depth and dimension by depicting space realistically.

Realism in Renaissance Art

Depiction of subjects as they appear in real life, with natural postures and expressions.

Symbolism in Baroque Art

Used dramatic imagery to convey religious and emotional messages.

Comparison of Renaissance and Baroque Art

Renaissance emphasized harmony, clarity, and proportion; Baroque emphasized drama, emotion, and grandeur.