Art AT3

contrapposto

classical stance with weight on one leg, naturalism

patronage

wealthy individuals/families commissioning art for prestige, politics or religion

humanism

Renaissance philosophy celebrating human potential, classical antiquity, civic duty

conceptual framework

artist, artwork, world, audience relationships

symbolism of David

Biblibal hero as Florence’s civic defender, political symbol

civic identity

pride in city-state, linking Florence’s values to David’s triumph

Medici family

powerful Florentine family, patrons of Donatello & Verrocchio

Donatello’s David

Donatello (1386-1466)- David 1430, Bronze, 158cm high
Nude, youthful, contrapposto, feather rising up thigh
Medici family commissioned work for their private courtyard

Verrocchio’s David

Verrocchio (1435-1488)- David 1465-1476, Bronze, 124cm high
Clothed, youthful, sword at side, modest size
Commissioned for Medici, later public

Michelangelo’s David

Michelangelo (1475-1564)- David, 1501-04, Marble, 4.27m high
Colossal nude, tense pose before battle, detailed anatomy
Florence Republic= patronage (public sqare, Plazzo)

symbolism for Donatello’s David

first free standing nude, since antiquity, sensuality and divine triumph, Medici power

symbolism for Verrocchio’s David

Civic pride, humility, Florence as youthful victor

symbolism for Michelangelo’s David

Symbol of Florence’s strength, independence, heroism and human perfection

Renaissance artists:

skilled craftsmen and intellectuals with highly developed techniques, status of artists began to rise (seen as creative geniuses)

motivations for Renaissance artists

religious: biblical subject matter to inspire faith

political: civic commissions to promote state power

personal: experimenting with classical antiquity, humanism and the new forms of naturalism

artworks

represents a negotiation between vision, patron demands and cultural expectations

what was the Renaissance era?

key features of the Renaissance world

humanism, civic identity, religion, patronage

art reflected and reinforced politics, philosophy and religion