Introduction to the Masters

16th Century Art in Italy: Introduction to the Masters

Lesson Intro: Renaissance means rebirth of classical style of antiquity, 

* Masters from this period: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael. Masters of the high Renaissance.

The High Renaissance, Also known as Imperial style or the classical phase

* During this time period, the counter-reformation was occurring in Italy. From 1490-1527(sack of Rome). Time of elevated movement in Renaissance art.

* The style of the "High Renaissance" is characterized by a sense of gravity and a balance of the individual arts to the whole.

* much deeper understanding of human emotion, humanism in general. Similar to art of Ancient Rome and antiquity itself. 

* Church moved from fundamental mission. The Pope's during this time started acting like secular princes. Amassed quantities of wealth, asking for money constantly, to promote and fund their building projects: Churches, statues, mirrors. 

* Pope Julius II began selling indulgences--selling heaven or the promise heaven. The church was accepting money in return for the forgiveness of sins.

* Group in church against indulgences, began to protest against it launching a reformation, refocusing it on the word of God and the writings of scriptures, getting away from wealth and greed and power that the church was amassing.

* Martin Luther led the reformation by attaching the 95 Theses--95 points or issues with the church that he wanted to change--on church doors in Germany. This gave way for new sect of christianity--Protestantism. Catholic church lost some ground and members slipping away, and responded with counter-reformation. Many responses were carried out in the Council of Trent

Major changes that led to development of high renaissance.

* During this time, tempera (egg-yolk mixed with pigments based, used on frescoes) was replaced with oil paint (more flexible, enabling artists more time work). Allowed for greater ease in applicatin

* Artists were also commissioned by private sources. Artists no longer relied solely on commissions offered by the church, the aristocracy, or guilds. Middle class of Europe and Italy amassed great quantities of art and commissioned paintings.

Papal Influence

* The artists of the high Renaissance were often commissioned by popes too create great works

- Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo

- St. Peter's Basilica, designed by Michelangelo architecturally. 

The three great masters of the High Renaissance are:

* Leonardo Da Vinci

* Raphael

* Michelangelo