RENAISSANCE-PPT

Renaissance Arts Appreciation

Introduction to the Renaissance

  • Refers to a cultural movement characterized by a revival of classical learning and wisdom.

  • Often described as a 'rebirth' (French: "Renaissance").

  • Originated in Florence, Italy, between 1500 and 1600 A.D.

  • Art produced for both secular and sacred settings, reflecting a shift in societal interests.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the historical background and philosophy of Early, High, and Late Renaissance.

  • Classify these periods based on significant characteristics:

    • Art techniques

    • Subjects in art

    • Notable artists

    • Art forms and media

    • Socio-political issues

  • Cite important characteristics of artwork from the Renaissance.

  • Present the history and movements of the arts through a timeline.

Early Renaissance

  • Timeframe: 1401 to 1490; also known as Quattrocento (meaning 1400).

  • Influenced by Humanism, focusing on humanity's relationship with the world, challenging the Church's narrative.

  • Characteristics include:

    • Dynamic, expressive, realistic art celebrating human achievements.

    • Introduction of new artistic techniques:

      • One-point linear perspective

      • Rilievo stiacciato

      • Foreshortening

      • Chiaroscuro

      • Trompe l'oeil

    • New subject matters include battle scenes, portraits, and depictions of ordinary people.

Socio-Political Context of the Early Renaissance

  • Black Death (1347-1351) led to labor shortages and social mobility.

  • Wealth and influence of powerful families, notably the Medici, played a significant role.

  • Increasing scrutiny of the Church and classical knowledge flowed into the West post-Constantinople (1453).

Notable Artists of the Early Renaissance

Masaccio

  • Biography: Born December 21, 1401; died Autumn 1428.

  • Notable works include "Expulsion of Adam and Eve" and "The Tribute Money".

Donatello

  • Biography: Born 1386, died December 13, 1466.

  • Master of sculpture with notable works such as sculptures of St. Mark and David.

Fra Angelico

  • Biography: Born 1400, died February 18, 1455.

  • Key works include "Madonna of the Star" and "The Annunciation".

Piero della Francesca

  • Biography: Born 1416/17, died October 12, 1492.

  • Known for serene exploration of perspective in works like "The Flagellation of Christ".

Paolo Uccello

  • Biography: Born 1397; died December 10, 1475.

  • Noteworthy for his battle scenes, such as "The Battle of San Romano".

High Renaissance

  • Timeframe: 1490 to 1527, marked by a culmination of artistic achievement.

  • Artists moved beyond strict rules, exploring creative expression.

  • Emphasis on human emotion, beauty, and Classical themes.

  • Rising tensions between secular and religious authorities, influenced by the Protestant Reformation and wars, especially the Italian Wars (1494–1559).

Notable Artists of the High Renaissance

Leonardo da Vinci

  • Biography: Born April 15, 1452, died May 2, 1519.

  • Masterworks include "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa".

Michelangelo Buonarotti

  • Biography: Born March 6, 1475, died February 18, 1564.

  • Renowned for the Sistine Chapel ceiling and "The Creation of Adam".

Raphael

  • Biography: Born April 6, 1483, died April 6, 1520.

  • Notable for works like "The School of Athens" and "The Sistine Madonna".

Titian

  • Biography: Born 1488/90, died August 27, 1576.

  • Known for "Bacchus and Ariadne" and "Venus of Urbino".

Giorgione

  • Biography: Born 1477/78, died before November 7, 1510.

  • Famous for "Sleeping Venus" and contributions to Venetian painting.

Late Renaissance

  • Timeframe: 1520 to 1620; also known as the Mannerist period.

  • Characterized by non-naturalistic settings and more philosophical exploration through art.

  • Social context includes major religious conflicts like the Thirty Years' War and political divisions.

Notable Artists of the Late Renaissance

Pompeo Leoni

  • Biography: Born 1533, died October 13, 1608.

  • Known for bronze sculptures and large-scale works for the Spanish royal family.

Jacopo Bassano

  • Biography: Born 1517, died February 13, 1592.

  • Known for religious paintings and depictions of everyday life, like "The Annunciation of Shepherd".

Lorenzo Lotto

  • Biography: Born 1480, died 1556.

  • Recognized for emotionally engaging religious subjects.

Giulio Romano

  • Biography: Born 1492/99, died November 1, 1546.

  • Influential in architecture, noted for "Palazzo del Te".