Art of Sixteenth Century Italy: The High Renaissance

Art of Sixteenth Century Italy: The High Renaissance

Introduction

  • The lecture focuses on the art of 16th-century Italy, specifically the works of the masters during the High Renaissance period.
  • Renaissance means "rebirth" (re-naissance), referring to a revival of classical style and ideals from ancient Rome and Greece.
  • Key figures include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Objectives

  • Understand the characteristics and style of the High Renaissance.
  • Identify the evolution of Papal influence on the art of the period.
  • Recognize the major figures of 16th-century Italian art.

Key Terms

  • High Renaissance
  • Counter Reformation
  • Papal
  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Raphael
  • Michelangelo

What was the High Renaissance?

  • The High Renaissance occurred roughly between 1490 and the Sack of Rome in 1527.
  • An elevated movement in Renaissance art, taken to new heights by masters like Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael.
  • Also known as the imperial style or classical phase.
  • Characterized by:
    • A sense of gravity.
    • Balance between individual parts and the whole.
    • A deeper understanding of human emotion and humanism, reminiscent of ancient Rome.

The State of the Church

  • The Catholic Church appeared to deviate from its mission of evangelization and offering salvation.
  • Popes began acting like secular princes, amassing large quantities of wealth.
  • They funded building projects like churches, statues, and murals.
  • Pope Julius II sold indulgences (the promise of heaven) in return for money, which was against the fundamental mission of the church.

The Reformation

  • Individuals protested against the focus on greed and wealth within the church.
  • They launched the Reformation to refocus the church on the word of God, liturgy, and scripture.
  • Martin Luther led the Reformation by posting his 95 theses, which listed 95 issues that that he had with the church, on the door of a church in Germany.
  • The Reformation led to the rise of Protestantism.

The Counter Reformation

  • The Catholic Church launched the Counter Reformation to counter the effects of the Protestant Reformation.
  • Actions were carried out in the Council of Trent.

Major Changes Leading to the High Renaissance

  • Change in artistic mediums:
    • Tempera paint (used on frescoes) was replaced by oil paint.
    • Oil paint allowed artists more time to work and create more detailed works.
  • Economic Changes:
    • The middle class amassed wealth and became avid collectors of art.
    • They commissioned paintings and sculptures.

Papal Influence

  • The church has historically been a major patron of the arts.
  • Even with the rise of middle-class patronage, the church remained a significant commissioner.
  • Examples include the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica (designed by Michelangelo).

Three Great Masters

  • Increased commissions and a wealthy middle class led to more artists and greater competition.
  • Competition led to perfection and a rise in art quality.
  • The notable masters:
    • Leonardo da Vinci
    • Raphael
    • Michelangelo
  • Each artist had their own unique style and preferred mediums.

Conclusion

  • The 16th century was a time of change that fostered artistic talent.
  • The High Renaissance style emerged, exemplified by the works of Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo.
  • Example: Michelangelo's Pieta depicting Mary holding the body of Christ.