European Renaissance Art: Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo

Northern and Southern Renaissance

a period of history that follows the mediaeval, art made in europe the 15 and 16th century ce.

Northern- naturalism, expressive

Southern- ancient monuments, ideal beauty

Humanism

how humans can better themselves through education and moral code of conduct rather than irrational instincts.

Contrapposto

a compositional technique to animate figures used both in paintings and sculptures, where the human figure is concentration their weight on one leg and twisting their torso away

Tempera

is a fast-drying painting medium made by mixing pigments with a water-soluble binder, like egg yolk. Tempera produces vibrant, long-lasting colors and is typically applied in thin layers on wood panels.

Fresco

applying paint to wet plaster

Oil painting

a type of very slow drying paint, which was easier to manipulate.

Sfumato

sculptural qualities, hazy and blurriness

Characteristics of portraits in the Renaissance, especially of women

• it idealized beauty

• the person was in the center of the composition

• background was usually plain

• often included a three-quarter view

• emphasis on realism and individuality

• women's expressions were typically reserved and serene, reflecting the cultural ideals of virtue and modesty.

Sculptural painting technique (Michelangelo)

he painted figures with realistic depth, using light, shadow, and anatomy to make them look like sculptures.

Human expression (Leonardo)

he captured lifelike expressions with soft blending, revealing emotions and psychological depth.

Symmetry and aesthetic harmony

Renaissance art used balance, geometry, and proportion to create visually pleasing and harmonious designs.

The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci

c. 1495,

Leonardo da Vinci

Mona Lisa

c. 1503 – 1519.

Michelangelo

The Creation of Adam, from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

c. 1511.

Michelangelo

The Last Judgment

1534-154