Renaissance Art and Culture

Flashcards covering key concepts, artists, and works from Renaissance art and culture.

Dome

A rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure.

Linear perspective

A mathematical system for representing three-dimensional objects and space on a two-dimensional surface.

Savonarola

A Dominican friar who became the de facto ruler of Florence, advocating for the destruction of secular art.

Memento mori

A reminder of human mortality, literally meaning 'remember you must die'.

Condottiere

A professional soldier or mercenary commander in Renaissance Italy.

Rustication

A masonry technique emphasizing contrasts between rough and smooth stonework.

Sumptuary laws

Laws that regulate excessive spending on luxury goods and displays of wealth.

Patronage

Support and encouragement given by patrons to artists, often in exchange for commissioned works.

Bonfire of the Vanities

A public event organized by Savonarola where secular art and items were burned.

Girolamo Savonarola

A preacher who criticized the moral decay of Florentine society and influenced artists like Botticelli.

Botticelli

An Italian painter known for works influenced by classical themes and later by Savonarola's teachings.

Arnolfini Portrait

A painting by Jan van Eyck depicting a wedding scene rich in symbolism.

Tribute Money

A fresco by Masaccio depicting the biblical story of Jesus and tax collectors.

Gattamelata

A bronze equestrian statue by Donatello, symbolizing strength and leadership.

Florence Cathedral

A cathedral in Florence known for its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi.

David

A popular subject of Renaissance art, represented famously by Donatello and Michelangelo.

Isabella d’Este

A prominent Italian noblewoman who was a significant patron of the arts during the Renaissance.