renaissance

What changes did the Protestant Reformation bring to art history?

The Protestant Reformation led to:1. Woodcut, engraving, and etching: These techniques allowed artists to make copies of their art, which facilitated Bible production and different interpretations.2. Oil paint: This new medium allowed for rich and vibrant colors.

What is a Predella?

The bottom part of an altarpiece, which typically remained unchanged in design.

Who invented linear perspective and in what year?

Brunelleschi invented linear perspective in 1420 in Florence.

Define Chiaroscuro.

A technique in painting that uses gradual transitions and contrasts between light and dark to create depth and volume.

What is the subject of the main panel of the Merode Altarpiece, and what are some of its key symbolisms?

The main panel depicts The Annunciation, specifically right before the Angel Gabriel speaks to Mary. Symbolism includes:

• White: Purity

• Candle smoke: Holy Spirit

• Mary leaning on a fireplace: Symbolizes blocking hell

Who commissioned the Merode Altarpiece?

The family who wanted and bought the art, depicted in the left panel.

What is St. Joseph doing in the right panel of the Merode Altarpiece, and what do the mousetraps symbolize?

St. Joseph is working on carpentry. The mousetraps symbolize capturing sin.

Identify the artist and key features of the Arnolfini Portrait.

The artist is Jan van Eyck, famously noted by the inscription "Jan van Eyck was here 1434." Key features include:

• The painter's reflection in the mirror within the art itself.

• Shoes off: Symbolizing holy ground.

• Oranges: Indicating a wealthy family.

• Candle: Representing the Holy Spirit.

• Dog: Symbolizing loyalty.

Who painted The Fall of Man (Adam and Eve) and what technique was used?

Albrecht Dürer, using engraving.

Describe the Allegory of Law and Grace.

Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder. It's a woodcut depicting Jesus's life, with the left side representing Catholicism and the right side representing Protestantism.

What characterizes the Pazzi Chapel in terms of architectural order?

It primarily uses the Corinthian order.

Describe the architectural style and features of Pallazo Rucellai.

Located in Florence, Italy, it is an exemplary Renaissance building with square windows and mullions (architectural features above windows). It features pilasters (rectangular columns) that become fancier on each story, progressing from Doric on the first floor to Ionic and then Corinthian on higher floors. Each floor served a specific purpose: 1) Business area, 2) Guest/party area, 3) Living space, 4) Hidden servants' quarters.

What type of paint was used for Madonna and Child with 2 Angels, and what are its properties?

Tempera on wood. Tempera paint is made from paint mixed with egg yolk, making it cheap but having a bad shelf life. The work also illustrates humanism.

Identify the artist, subject, and notable features of the Birth of Venus.

Artist: Botticelli. It depicts a non-Christian theme from Roman mythology. Notable features include nudity, the left figures (Zephyrs or "wind"), and the right figure (Flora). Venus is notably depicted in an 'anti-contrapposto' pose.

Who was Pope Julius II and what was his significance to the Sistine Chapel?

Pope Julius II was a crucial figure in commissioning and overseeing the decorative work within the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's contributions.

Define Sfumato.

A painting technique, famously used by Da Vinci, that creates a hazy effect, softening outlines and creating a subtle transition between colors and tones.

What is 'glaze' in painting?

A thin, transparent layer of paint applied over another, often used to brighten and enrich colors.

Who painted The Last Supper, and what are some key details about it?

Artist: Da Vinci. Key details:

• Features a hazy (sfumato) effect.

• Still in situ (in its original place) in Milan, despite being bombed in WWII.

• Created using oil and tempera paints.

• Utilizes one-point linear perspective, with Jesus as the central figure at the vanishing point.

• Figures are grouped in 'threes', with three windows behind Jesus symbolizing the Holy Trinity and paradise.

• The scene depicts the moment Jesus announces his impending death and betrayal.

• Details include Jesus and Judah reaching for the same thing, whispered conversations among groups, and Peter holding a knife.

Describe the key characteristics and themes of the Sistine Chapel decoration.

Decorated under Pope Julius II, the Sistine Chapel features Sibyls (prophets) and includes 300 unique characters (no repeats). The 3 main themes are:

1. Creation of Man
2. Downfall / Getting Locked Out of the Garden of Eden
3. The Great Flood / Story of Noah

The altar wall features Michelangelo's Last Judgment, executed in fresco (paint on plaster), embodying a 'fire and brimstone' preaching style meant to inspire Christian piety.

Who painted the School of Athens, where is it located, and who are the central figures?

Artist: Raphael. Located at the Vatican. Central figures: Plato and Aristotle. Other notable figures include Socrates (left of Plato) and Diogenes (on the ground). The left side represents philosophy, and the right side represents physical sciences (e.g., math).

Describe the central figures and symbolism in Creation of Adam.

God is shown reaching out fully, while Adam is depicted as nonchalant. God is surrounded by angels, and the arrangement is shaped like a brain, symbolizing God's omniscience. The background elements appear Greek.

What defines Baroque art?

Baroque art is characterized by action, drama, and capturing "a moment in time."

What is Tenebroso?

A dramatic use of dark and light contrast in painting, where much of the canvas is very dark.

Who painted Calling of St. Matthew, and what is depicted?

Artist: Caravaggio. Jesus is on the far right, pointing and calling St. Matthew. Matthew appears confused, pointing at himself as if to ask "Me?" The context is that Matthew was a tax collector, a disliked profession during that time.

Who painted Conversion of Saint Paul, and what does it show?

Artist: Caravaggio. It depicts Paul falling onto a trail after he had gone blind. A copy of this painting can be found at Cascia Hall in the Brecht Center.

What is the subject of Judith Beheading Holofernes?

This artwork depicts Judith from the Book of Judith (a book taken out of some Bibles) killing Holofernes, her captor.

Who sculpted Ecstasy of St. Teresa, what material was used, and what does it represent?

Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Sculpted from marble, it is a rendition of St. Teresa's dream, in which an angel drives a spear into her.

Who painted Henry IV Receiving the Portrait of Marie de Medici, and what is its theme?

Artist: Peter Paul Rubens. The painting depicts King Henry IV wanting to impress his wife, Marie de Medici. Themes of love and marriage are symbolized by Jupiter and Juno.

What is Rembrandt known for?

Rembrandt is famous for painting over 50 self-portraits, reflecting a certain egoism. His wife was Saskia.

Who painted Girl with a Pearl Earring, and what artistic techniques/themes are present?

Artist: Vermeer. The painting features tenebroso, dramatic dark and light contrast, and captures a specific moment in time.

What is 'Vanitas' in still-life painting, exemplified by Still Life Fruit and Insects?

Vanitas is a theme in still-life painting that emphasizes the brevity of life. In the context of Still Life Fruit and Insects, grapes symbolize wine, and grain symbolizes bread, often linked to religious symbolism or the transience of life.

Provide key details about the Palace of Versailles.

Begun in 1669, the Palace of Versailles was built for King Louis XIV. Its architect was Louis Le Vau, and its landscape designer was André Le Nôtre. The interior designer was Charles Le Brun. It is an enormous complex, about 12 football fields in size, featuring vast gardens and a reflection pond (reminiscent of Washington D.C. + Philbrook). Its famous Hall of Mirrors contains 357 mirrors.

Compare the key features of the four David sculptures by Donatello, Verrocchio, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

1. Donatello's David: Bronze, nude, small boy, wears a hat, Goliath's head at feet, holds a sword.
2. Verrocchio's David: Small boy, clothed, Goliath's head at feet, holds a sword.
3. Michelangelo's David: Big and manly, nude, nothing in hand (before the battle).
4. Bernini's David: An action shot, depicting David with a slingshot and stone sack (during the battle).

What regions were the focus of the Early and High Renaissance in Italy?

• Early Renaissance: Italy was the center.

• High Renaissance: Rome, Florence, and Venice were the primary focuses.

What changes did the Protestant Reformation bring to art history?

The Protestant Reformation led to:1. Woodcut, engraving, and etching: These techniques allowed artists to make copies of their art, which facilitated Bible production and different interpretations.2. Oil paint: This new medium allowed for rich and vibrant colors.

What is a Predella?

The bottom part of an altarpiece, which typically remained unchanged in design.

Who invented linear perspective and in what year?

Brunelleschi invented linear perspective in 1420 in Florence.

Define Chiaroscuro.

A technique in painting that uses gradual transitions and contrasts between light and dark to create depth and volume.

What is the subject of the main panel of the Merode Altarpiece, and what are some of its key symbolisms?

The main panel depicts The Annunciation, specifically right before the Angel Gabriel speaks to Mary. Symbolism includes:

• White: Purity

• Candle smoke: Holy Spirit

• Mary leaning on a fireplace: Symbolizes blocking hell

Who commissioned the Merode Altarpiece?

The family who wanted and bought the art, depicted in the left panel.

What is St. Joseph doing in the right panel of the Merode Altarpiece, and what do the mousetraps symbolize?

St. Joseph is working on carpentry. The mousetraps symbolize capturing sin.

Identify the artist and key features of the Arnolfini Portrait.

The artist is Jan van Eyck, famously noted by the inscription "Jan van Eyck was here 1434." Key features include:

• The painter's reflection in the mirror within the art itself.
• Shoes off: Symbolizing holy ground.
• Oranges: Indicating a wealthy family.
• Candle: Representing the Holy Spirit.
• Dog: Symbolizing loyalty.

Who painted The Fall of Man (Adam and Eve) and what technique was used?

Albrecht Dürer, using engraving.

Describe the Allegory of Law and Grace.

Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder. It's a woodcut depicting Jesus's life, with the left side representing Catholicism and the right side representing Protestantism.

What is the primary subject depicted in Lucas Cranach the Elder's Allegory of Law and Grace?

It depicts scenes from Jesus's life.

What characterizes the Pazzi Chapel in terms of architectural order?

It primarily uses the Corinthian order.

Describe the architectural style and features of Pallazo Rucellai.

Located in Florence, Italy, it is an exemplary Renaissance building with square windows and mullions (architectural features above windows). It features pilasters (rectangular columns) that become fancier on each story, progressing from Doric on the first floor to Ionic and then Corinthian on higher floors. Each floor served a specific purpose: 1) Business area, 2) Guest/party area, 3) Living space, 4) Hidden servants' quarters.

What type of paint was used for Madonna and Child with 2 Angels, and what are its properties?

Tempera on wood. Tempera paint is made from paint mixed with egg yolk, making it cheap but having a bad shelf life. The work also illustrates humanism.

Identify the artist, subject, and notable features of the Birth of Venus.

Artist: Botticelli. It depicts a non-Christian theme from Roman mythology. Notable features include nudity, the left figures (Zephyrs or "wind"), and the right figure (Flora). Venus is notably depicted in an 'anti-contrapposto' pose.

What painting medium was used for Botticelli's Birth of Venus?

Tempera.

Who was Pope Julius II and what was his significance to the Sistine Chapel?

Pope Julius II was a crucial figure in commissioning and overseeing the decorative work within the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's contributions.

Define Sfumato.

A painting technique, famously used by Da Vinci, that creates a hazy effect, softening outlines and creating a subtle transition between colors and tones.

What is 'glaze' in painting?

A thin, transparent layer of paint applied over another, often used to brighten and enrich colors.

Who painted The Last Supper, and what are some key details about it?

Artist: Da Vinci. Key details:

• Features a hazy (sfumato) effect.
• Still in situ (in its original place) in Milan, despite being bombed in WWII.
• Created using oil and tempera paints.
• Utilizes one-point linear perspective, with Jesus as the central figure at the vanishing point.
• Figures are grouped in 'threes', with three windows behind Jesus symbolizing the Holy Trinity and paradise.
• The scene depicts the moment Jesus announces his impending death and betrayal.
• Details include Jesus and Judah reaching for the same thing, whispered conversations among groups, and Peter holding a knife.

What subtle detail in The Last Supper suggests Da Vinci's observation of human group dynamics?

The depiction of whispered conversations and figures forming mini-groups, illustrating how intense moments unfold within a crowd.

In The Last Supper, what action by Peter is hinted at by the knife in his hand?

Peter's future action of cutting off the ear of a soldier, which Jesus later heals.

Describe the key characteristics and themes of the Sistine Chapel decoration.

Decorated under Pope Julius II, the Sistine Chapel features Sibyls (prophets) and includes 300 unique characters (no repeats). The 3 main themes are:

1. Creation of Man
2. Downfall / Getting Locked Out of the Garden of Eden
3. The Great Flood / Story of Noah

The altar wall features Michelangelo's Last Judgment, executed in fresco (paint on plaster), embodying a 'fire and brimstone' preaching style meant to inspire Christian piety.

Who painted the School of Athens, where is it located, and who are the central figures?

Artist: Raphael. Located at the Vatican. Central figures: Plato and Aristotle. Other notable figures include Socrates (left of Plato) and Diogenes (on the ground). The left side represents philosophy, and the right side represents physical sciences (e.g., math).

Who are the figures on the right side of Aristotle in Raphael's School of Athens, often associated with physical sciences?

The Peripatetics.

Describe the central figures and symbolism in Creation of Adam.

God is shown reaching out fully, while Adam is depicted as nonchalant. God is surrounded by angels, and the arrangement is shaped like a brain, symbolizing God's omniscience. The background elements appear Greek.

What defines Baroque art?

Baroque art is characterized by action, drama, and capturing "a moment in time."

What is Tenebroso?

A dramatic use of dark and light contrast in painting, where much of the canvas is very dark.

Who painted Calling of St. Matthew, and what is depicted?

Artist: Caravaggio. Jesus is on the far right, pointing and calling St. Matthew. Matthew appears confused, pointing at himself as if to ask "Me?" The context is that Matthew was a tax collector, a disliked profession during that time.

Who painted Conversion of Saint Paul, and what does it show?

Artist: Caravaggio. It depicts Paul falling onto a trail after he had gone blind. A copy of this painting can be found at Cascia Hall in the Brecht Center.

Where can a copy of Caravaggio's Conversion of Saint Paul be found?

At Cascia Hall in the Brecht Center.

What is the subject of Judith Beheading Holofernes?

This artwork depicts Judith from the Book of Judith (a book taken out of some Bibles) killing Holofernes, her captor.

Who sculpted Ecstasy of St. Teresa, what material was used, and what does it represent?

Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Sculpted from marble, it is a rendition of St. Teresa's dream, in which an angel drives a spear into her.

Who painted Henry IV Receiving the Portrait of Marie de Medici, and what is its theme?

Artist: Peter Paul Rubens. The painting depicts King Henry IV wanting to impress his wife, Marie de Medici. Themes of love and marriage are symbolized by Jupiter and Juno.

What is Rembrandt known for?

Rembrandt is famous for painting over 50 self-portraits, reflecting a certain egoism. His wife was Saskia.

Who was Rembrandt's wife?

Saskia.

Who painted Girl with a Pearl Earring, and what artistic techniques/themes are present?

Artist: Vermeer. The painting features tenebroso, dramatic dark and light contrast, and captures a specific moment in time.

What is 'Vanitas' in still-life painting, exemplified by Still Life Fruit and Insects?

Vanitas is a theme in still-life painting that emphasizes the brevity of life. In the context of Still Life Fruit and Insects, grapes symbolize wine, and grain symbolizes bread, often linked to religious symbolism or the transience of life.

Provide key details about the Palace of Versailles.

Begun in 1669, the Palace of Versailles was built for King Louis XIV. Its architect was Louis Le Vau, and its landscape designer was André Le Nôtre. The interior designer was Charles Le Brun. It is an enormous complex, about 12 football fields in size, featuring vast gardens and a reflection pond (reminiscent of Washington D.C. + Philbrook). Its famous Hall of Mirrors contains 357 mirrors.

Compare the key features of the four David sculptures by Donatello, Verrocchio, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

1. Donatello's David: Bronze, nude, small boy, wears a hat, Goliath's head at feet, holds a sword.

2. Verrocchio's David: Small boy, clothed, Goliath's head at feet, holds a sword.

3. Michelangelo's David: Big and manly, nude, nothing in hand (before the battle).

4. Bernini's David: An action shot, depicting David with a slingshot and stone sack (during the battle).

What regions were the focus of the Early and High Renaissance in Italy?

• Early Renaissance: Italy was the center.

• High Renaissance: Rome, Florence, and Venice were the primary focuses.