Arth 100-Lecture 14-Northern Renaissance art 2

Self Portrait in Renaissance Art

• Definition of Self Portraits

  • A self portrait is a representation of the artist created by the artist themselves.

  • Artists use self portraits to express identity and skill.

• Significance in the Renaissance

  • Served as lifelike representations for artists.

  • Allowed artists to consider their identity and status.

  • Artists gained prominence in European society, being seen as more than craftsmen.

• Albrecht Durer

  • A notable German artist of the Northern Renaissance.

  • Created a famous oil painting self portrait in 1500, measuring 66.3 x 49 cm.

  • Multiple self portraits created throughout his life.

Development of Durer's Self Portraits

• Teenage Portrait

  • Earlier self portrait shows Durer learning to draw by observing himself in the mirror.

• Middle Portrait

  • Created 2 years before the 1500 portrait; features a window and landscape in background.

  • Depicts Durer in fashionable clothing reflecting upper societal status.

• Comparison to Other Artists

  • Durer's portrait differs from others, such as Titian’s.

  • Durer adopts Christ-like representations in posture and gesture.

Artistic Elements of Durer's 1500 Self Portrait

• Christ-like Representation

  • Durer mimics gestures of Christ, particularly in the blessing pose.

  • Dark tones and background enhance the visibility of Durer’s facial features and expression.

• Facial and Physical Characteristics

  • Durer’s features include long hair, a beard, and brown eyes, resembling representations of Christ.

  • His gaze meets the viewer, creating a strong connection.

  • Realism balanced with idealism in portrayal; meticulous attention to details like hair and clothing.

• Symbolism and Signatures

  • Features two signatures:

    • A monogram (AD) on the left.

    • An inscription in Latin on the right, providing his name, origin, and age, asserting the authenticity of the portrait.

Gesture and Composition

• Understanding Gesture

  • Durer’s hand is turned inward, suggesting contemplation rather than a blessing.

  • Gesture invites the viewer to reflect on the artist’s internal thoughts.

• Preparatory Drawing

  • Shows similarities to the final painting and includes a hare, denoting care for detail and texture in fur.

The Printmaking Revolution

• Introduction to Engraving

  • Durer's engraving of Adam and Eve is distinct from his paintings.

  • The print is small (25 x 21 cm) and reproducible, offering accessibility to the public.

• Process of Printmaking

  • Engraving involves carving an image onto wood or metal, creating multiple copies.

  • Requires cooperation of various skilled laborers, contrasting with the singular efforts in traditional painting.

• Impact of the Printing Press

  • Made art more accessible and affordable, increasing distribution of Durer’s works.

  • Enabled the wider circulation of Renaissance art across Europe.

Durer’s Adam and Eve

• Depiction and Symbolism

  • Represents Genesis; shows Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden with forbidden fruit.

  • Figures depicted in the nude; sensitive attention to form and realism juxtaposed with classical influences.

• Artistic Influences and Classical Revival

  • Adam resembles classical statues, especially influenced by Greek and Roman art (like Apollo Belvedere).

  • Demonstrates Durer’s deep engagement with classical human proportions and anatomy.

• Inscription and Signature

  • Contains a plaque with Durer’s name and date, presenting it as a signed piece.

Influence and Legacy

• Durer’s Role in the Northern Renaissance

  • His work blended Renaissance ideals from Italy with Northern European traditions.

  • He elevated prints from mere reproductions to respected art forms, influencing future generations of artists.