Arth 100-Lecture 13-Italian Renaissance Art 3

The Holy Trinity by Masaccio

• Location and Size: Painted in the Church of Santa Maria Novella, Florence; dimensions are 6.4 x 3.2 meters.

• Artist and Date: Created by Masaccio between 1425-1427 using tempera.

• Subject Matter: Depicts the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) envisioned through the crucifixion scene. Includes donor portraits of Domenico Lanzi and his wife.

Linear Perspective

• Innovation: Considered one of the earliest uses of linear perspective in art, a key Renaissance technique.

• Technique: Creates an illusion of depth and space, making the fresco appear as an extension of the real wall of the church.

• Visual Structure: Masaccio arranged the image considering the viewer's position, making it highly realistic with the viewer below the scene looking up.

Components of Perspective

• Key Elements: Utilizes orthogonal lines that converge at a single vanishing point, enhancing the perception of depth.

• Architecture: Central to effective linear perspective, features of classical architecture such as Corinthian columns, an entablature, and a coffered ceiling augment the spatial illusion.

Composition

• Figural Arrangement: The foreground contains the donor portraits; the middle ground showcases God the Father, Christ on the cross, and the Holy Spirit depicted as a dove.

• Chiaroscuro: Used to render the figure of Christ realistically, highlighting volume and depth through shading.

• Interlocutor Role: The Virgin Mary engages the viewer, guiding their attention to Christ’s crucifixion, enhancing emotional connection.

Mortality Reminder

• Memento Mori Feature: Below the donor figures is an altar and a tomb with a skeleton overlay, paired with a Latin inscription reminding viewers of mortality and encouraging faith in Christ.

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

• Location and Background: Created in 1503, initially in Florence; later taken to Milan and France.

• Technique and Size: Smaller oil painting; showcases Leonardo's innovative use of sfumato for soft transitions.

Portrait Features

• Subject: Likely represents Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo.

• Expression: Realistic with a contemplative smile; her gaze engages the viewer, contributing to the painting's enduring intrigue.

• Landscape: Background features earthy tones and natural elements, achieved through the atmospheric perspective without clear vanishing points.

Techniques Utilized

• Atmospheric Perspective: Modulates colors to create depth; distant elements appear less pronounced.

• Sfumato: Blends color and light without borders; exemplified in Mona Lisa’s face and the landscape.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

• Commission and Location: Painted for the dining hall of Santa Maria Della Grazie in Milan.

• Subject: Depicts the last meal of Jesus and his apostles, capturing their reactions after Jesus announces a betrayal.

Artistic Composition

• Linear Perspective: Structured with the vanishing point at Christ’s figure, creates a sense of depth and realism.

• Characters' Arrangement: Apostles react expressively, dividing into groups to underscore their shock and disbelief.

• Background Elements: Features simple architectural framing with windows and a landscape enhancing the overall perspective.

Conclusion on Renaissance Techniques

• Both frescoes embody classical conventions alongside innovative perspective techniques to evoke spiritual connection and realism.