Renaissance Art

Renaissance

A French word meaning "re-birth, reawakening, and revival"; a period in Italy (14th to 16th centuries) featuring a revival of classical Greek and Roman art.

Perspective, Realism & Humanism

Key characteristics of Renaissance art: perspective creates an illusion of depth, realism depicts the world as it appears, and humanism emphasizes human experiences.

Early Renaissance

A division of the Renaissance where artists like Giotto began moving towards realism and using frescoes, breaking from traditional medieval symbolism.

High Renaissance

A period when wealthy Italian families (like the Medici and Borgia) funded art, and artists excelled as "Jacks of all trades" mastering perspective, anatomy, and multiple art forms.

Michelangelo

A High Renaissance master sculptor and painter known for works like the Pieta, the statue of David, and the ceiling and altar wall (The Last Judgment) of the Sistine Chapel.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling & Last Judgment

Famous Renaissance frescoes painted by Michelangelo, featuring central panels of creation/prophets and the theme of the Last Judgment around Christ.

Leonardo da Vinci

A renowned Renaissance polymath famous for masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa (housed in the Louvre behind bullet-proof glass) and the Last Supper.