Northern Renaissance/Reformation

Renaissance Period

A cultural movement in Europe from 1400 to 1600 characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and intellectual pursuits.

Protestant

A follower of any of the Western Christian churches that are separate from the Roman Catholic Church and embrace the principles of the Reformation.

The Protestant Reformation

A movement beginning in the early 16th century as a reaction against the perceived corruption of the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of Protestant churches.

Martin Luther’s 95 Theses

A list of complaints against the Catholic Church, nailed to the church door in Wittenberg by Martin Luther in 1517, which sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Justification by faith alone

A central belief of Protestantism that asserts people are made right with God through faith, not by their actions.

Gutenberg Bible

The first major book printed using movable type, produced by Johannes Gutenberg around 1454-1455, marking the beginning of mass book production.

Movable type printing

A printing technology introduced to Europe by Johannes Gutenberg that revolutionized book production by allowing for the individual reproduction of letters and symbols.

Oil paint

A medium used in painting that became widely adopted in the Northern Renaissance, known for its rich colors, durability, and versatility.

Orthogonals

Lines in a linear perspective drawing that converge at the vanishing point, giving the illusion of depth.

Vanishing Point

The point on the horizon line where parallel lines appear to converge in linear perspective.

Grisaille

A painting technique using shades of gray to create a sculpture-like appearance.

Triptych

A three-part artwork, typically a set of three panels that depict a single scene or theme, commonly used in altarpieces.

Indulgences

Payments made to the Church, believed to reduce punishment for sins, which were criticized by Martin Luther.

Composition

The arrangement of elements within a work of art, an important factor in the visual appeal and effectiveness of a painting.

Altar Piece

An artwork, typically a painting or relief, situated above and behind the altar in a place of worship, often a focal point of veneration.

Engraving

A printmaking technique in which an image is incised on a hard surface, allowing for the creation of multiple copies.

Etching

A printmaking process that uses acid to carve into the surface of a metal plate, allowing for detailed images to be produced.

Humanism

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings, individualism, and the study of classical texts.

Sfumato

A painting technique used to create soft transitions between colors and tones, often to depict atmospheric effects.

Chiaroscuro

A technique used in painting to represent light and shadow in a way that adds depth to the artwork.

Perspective

An artistic technique used to represent three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface, creating an illusion of depth.

Fresco

A mural painting technique where pigments are applied on wet plaster, allowing the colors to become an integral part of the wall.

Rhetoric

The art of persuasive speaking or writing, emphasized during the Renaissance as a key component of education.

Patronage

Support given by wealthy individuals or institutions to artists, allowing them to create and disseminate their works.

Baroque Art

An artistic style that emerged after the Renaissance, characterized by dramatic use of light, bold colors, and emotional intensity.

Realism

An artistic movement that aims to depict subjects as they are, without embellishment or interpretation.

Naturalism

A style of art that seeks to represent objects and figures as they appear in nature, emphasizing realism and accuracy.

Flemish Painting

A style of painting that originated in Flanders during the Renaissance, characterized by detailed realism and vibrant color.

Mannerism

An artistic style that emerged after the High Renaissance, characterized by elongated forms and exaggerated poses.

Baroque Music

A style of music from the late Renaissance to the early 18th century, marked by expressive melodies and the use of ornamentation.

Renaissance Architecture

A style of architecture that emerged during the Renaissance, combining elements from classical Roman and Greek architecture.

Leonardo da Vinci

An Italian polymath of the Renaissance known for masterpieces like 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper' and contributions to science and engineering.

Michelangelo

An Italian sculptor, painter, and architect of the Renaissance, noted for works such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the statue of David.

Raphael

An Italian painter and architect known for his depictions of human figures and harmonious compositions, famous for works like 'The School of Athens'.

Counter-Reformation

A movement within the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation, aimed at reforming church practices and reaffirming doctrines.

Council of Trent

A ecumenical council held in the 16th century to address issues raised by the Protestant Reformation and to implement internal church reforms.

Symbolism in Art

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often seen in Renaissance artwork to convey deeper meanings and narratives.