Art History 5 the High Renaissance

da Vinci Adoration of the Magi

Leonardo da Vinci painted Adoration of the Magi in 1482. It is an unfinished oil painting with underpainting still visible. The scene shows the biblical story of the three wise men visiting baby Jesus. It uses triangle composition and classical architecture in perspective. Da Vinci showed detailed human anatomy, varied poses, and expressive faces. He used techniques like sfumato and chiaroscuro for soft edges and dramatic light and shadow.

da Vinci Vitruvian Man

Da Vinci drew the Vitruvian Man in 1490 using ink on paper. It shows two superimposed nude figures with outstretched arms and legs, inscribed in a square and a circle. The drawing is based on the ideas of Roman architect Vitruvius. It explores ideal human body proportions using math and science. It reflects humanism, showing how even ordinary people can contribute to society.

da Vinci Last Supper

Da Vinci's Last Supper, painted between 1495-1498, is an oil painting on top of a fresco. The composition is symmetrical, showing Jesus with the twelve apostles during the sacrament of the Eucharist, where Jesus says, "One of you will betray me." Each apostle reacts with different emotional expressions, highlighting their individual responses. The painting uses perfect vanishing point perspective, with orthogonals leading to the central point: Jesus Christ. Behind Jesus, the glow of open windows creates a halo effect. Judas, the betrayer, is shown looking at Jesus, holding a bag of silver coins and spilling salt, symbolizing his betrayal and the payment he received for selling out Jesus.

da Vinci Mona Lisa

Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, painted in 1503, is known for its use of sfumato, creating a smoky, soft effect. It is a small portrait of a wealthy woman, but not from royalty, and she isn’t wearing jewelry. The painting was a commissioned portrait and has become iconic over the years. Da Vinci worked on it for 15 years, making it a culmination of his painting development. It uses atmospheric perspective and oil glazing techniques, layering colors for depth. The Mona Lisa has become a cultural artifact, representing a high point of the Renaissance.

Raphael School of Athens

Raphael's School of Athens, painted between 1509-1511, is a fresco on wet plaster located in the Vatican. It depicts ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and mathematicians, blending secular themes with biblical references. The fresco is part of the Stanza della Signatura in the Vatican complex and represents the four branches of human knowledge: philosophy, theology, poetry, and justice. Pope Julius II commissioned the work, which gathers great thinkers like Plato and Aristotle, contrasting theoretical and earthly philosophy. The painting features ancient Roman architecture, including barrel vaults and pilasters, and uses linear perspective. It blends real architectural elements with the painted space, symbolizing the rise of science and the return to classical ideas during the High Renaissance.

Michelangelo David

Michelangelo's David, carved between 1501-1504, is a giant male nude sculpture made from a single block of marble that had been left unused for generations. The hands and head are deliberately larger than lifelike, as the statue was originally intended to stand high on a church building. David is depicted before his fight with Goliath, with an intense gaze and a slight look of anxiety, his brows creased as if in a pregnant pause, preparing to launch his sling. The sculpture shows detailed anatomy, emphasizing classical antiquity styles. Historically, David symbolizes the Florentine Republic, especially after the Medici were ousted and Savonarola's brief rule ended. It represents Florence as the underdog city-state, facing great challenges.

Michelangelo Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted between 1508-1512, depicts scenes from the first book of the Bible, Genesis. It includes the famous Creation of Adam along with nine other key events from Genesis. The ceiling features various sets of figures, including celestial beings and real human figures, all intertwined within the panels. The artwork focuses on intricate line work, bringing dynamic energy to the scenes. The ceiling is a masterpiece of fresco painting, showcasing Michelangelo's skill and vision.

Titian Assumption of the Virgin

Titian's Assumption of the Virgin, painted between 1516-1518, is an oil painting in the Venetian style. It uses chiaroscuro, with deep, dark shadows and glazing techniques to create a lustrous effect of light, adding depth and modeling to the figures. The composition conveys drama, with diagonal lines emphasizing movement. Mary is shown rising to God, while the chaotic world of mortals is depicted below her. The painting was created for a cathedral, highlighting the contrast between the divine and the earthly realms.

Titian Venus of Urbino

Titian's Venus of Urbino, painted in 1538, depicts a female nude figure reclining in a luxurious domestic setting. Unlike many religious nudes, this painting avoids scandal by labeling the figure as Venus, a Greek goddess, to make it more acceptable. The softness of the figure is enhanced with glazing layers, highlighting the sensuality and beauty of the human form. The setting includes roses, a sleeping dog, and floral patterns, emphasizing a sense of domestic luxury. This painting, inspired by classical antiquity and humanism, celebrates individuality and the beauty of life. It influenced many artists and is a prime example of sensuality and the depiction of the human body.