AH 1701 Renaissance through Contemporary Art

AH 1701: Renaissance through Contemporary Art

Welcome

  • Introduction to the course.

My Goal

  • To support students and take care of them in any way possible.

Attendance

  • Details regarding attendance policies for the course.

Course Orientation

  • Syllabus Topics:

    • African Art

    • Islamic Art

    • Indian Art

    • Chinese Art

    • Japanese Art

    • Italian Renaissance

    • Northern European Renaissance

    • Baroque Art

    • 18th Century Art

    • 19th Century Art

    • 20th Century Art

  • Learning Objectives:

    • Learn Lecture Notes weekly.

  • Examinations:

    • First Exam on Units 1-6, due in Unit 7.

    • Second Exam on Units 8-11, due in Unit 12.

  • Visual Description Paper:

    • Due in Unit 8.

Northern Europe in the Renaissance

  • Geographical Focus:

    • Denmark

    • England

    • France

    • The Netherlands

    • Antwerp

    • Flanders

    • Germany (Holy Roman Empire)

  • Time Frame:

    • The Renaissance in Northern Europe from 1400-1600.

Characteristics of the Renaissance

  • There are two distinct Renaissances:

    • One in Italy (Southern Europe)

    • Another in Northern Europe

  • Naturalism:

    • Both regions aimed for naturalism, but achieved it through different artistic techniques:

    • Italian Renaissance: Used linear perspective and emphasized anatomy.

    • Northern Renaissance: Achieved naturalism through the use of vivid colors and extreme detail.

February Book: Tres Riches Heures

  • Artists: The Limbourg Brothers

  • Culture Period: Renaissance in Northern Europe

  • Date of Culture Period: c. 1400-1600

  • Medium: Illuminated manuscript (handwritten book with pictures)

  • Dimensions of the page: 30 x 21 cm

Overview of the Illuminated Manuscript

  • The manuscript serves as a calendar titled "Tres Riches Heures" meaning "The Very Precious Hours."

  • Observes zodiac constellations as seen in the February night sky.

Definition of Naturalism

  • Naturalism: The depiction of images in a way that they closely resemble what they represent.

  • Demonstration in Northern Renaissance:

    • Use of vivid colors: Gold generated from real gold leaf and blue from lapis lazuli stone.

    • Extreme detail: Included bee hives, genitals, bird feed, and sticks.

The Merode Altarpiece

  • Artist: Campin

  • Culture: Northern European Renaissance

  • Date of Culture: c. 1400-1600

  • Key Features:

    • Gabriel's arrival: Depicted with wind from his wings stirring the pages of a book on the table.

    • Mary's unawareness of Gabriel's presence.

    • Naked baby Jesus represented as flying through the window towards Mary with a cross.

    • Joseph as a carpenter crafting a mouse trap, symbolizing Jesus's victory over death.

  • Contemporary Context: The depiction shows the holy event occurring in present-day Europe.

Important Aspects of the Merode Altarpiece

  • Triptych: Artwork consists of three hinged panels.

  • Donation Representation: Features two donors (patrons) dressed in contemporary clothing.

The Arnolfini Portrait

  • Artist: Van Eyck

  • Culture: Northern European Renaissance

  • Date of Culture: c. 1400-1600

  • Dimensions: 2 1/5 x 2 feet

Subject Matter

  • The couple is depicted exchanging wedding vows.

  • A mirror reflects the viewers of the painting, signifying our presence as witnesses.

  • The artist's signature is placed centrally, affirming his role as a witness to the event.

Iconography in the Arnolfini Portrait

  • Symbols Represented:

    • Dog: Symbol of loyalty

    • Oranges: Symbol of wealth

    • Bed: Reference to marriage, sex, and children

    • The woman's round belly: Suggests fertility.

Naturalism in the Arnolfini Portrait

  • Techniques:

    • Utilizes vibrant oil paint, with pigments suspended in oil allowing for glossy and translucent effects.

    • Display of extreme detail: Wood grain, fabric textures, oranges, dog's fur, and chandelier intricacies.

Relevant Video

  • Smarthistory: "Jan Van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait" (7 mins)

    • URL: https://smarthistory.org/jan-van-eyck-the-arnolfini-portrait/

Garden of Earthly Delight

  • Artist: Bosch

  • Culture: Northern European Renaissance

  • Date of Culture: c. 1400-1600

Subject Matter

  • Consists of three panels:

    • Eden (depicted as past time)

    • Earthly Delights following Original Sin (present time)

    • The Last Judgment (future perspective).

  • Dimensions: c. 7 ft tall

  • Triptych: Artwork is structured in a three-panel format.

Important Themes in the Garden of Earthly Delight

  • Detailing: High levels of detail in both central and right panels.

  • Religious Context: Reflects Protestant theology's doctrine of predestination: Salvation predetermined, human nature inherently sinful due to Original Sin.

  • Triptych Closure: Displays the Flood, serving as a punishment for sin.

Relevant Video

  • Smarthistory: "Bosch, Garden of Earthly Delights" (9 mins)

    • URL: https://smarthistory.org/hieronymus-bosch-last-judgment-triptych/

The Isenheim Altarpiece

  • Artist: Grunewald

  • Culture Period: Renaissance in Northern Europe

  • Date of Culture Period: c. 1400-1600

Subject Matter

  • Crucifixion scene featuring Mother Mary, St. John, Mary Magdalene, and John the Baptist.

  • Notable characteristic: Red spots on Jesus’ body signify leprosy.

  • The altarpiece was originally created for a leprosy hospital, linking the artwork directly to the viewers' experiences.

Naturalism in the Isenheim Altarpiece

  • Use of:

    • Vivid colors

    • Extreme detail

  • Relevant imagery symbolizes hope for resurrection alongside Jesus's triumph over death.

  • Opened Panels: Feature joyful scenes such as the Annunciation, Nativity, and Resurrection.

Conclusion

  • Reminder for self-care and consideration for others.

  • Instructor reiterates commitment to support students.