high renaissance

Significance of the Renaissance
- Marked by significant geographical discoveries, including Christopher Columbus's discovery of the Americas in 1492.
- Led to various changes in the world view, affecting art, architecture, poetry, and philosophy.
The Concept of Fine Art
- The term "fine art" is rooted in the Renaissance, emphasizing a shift towards the artist as a genius inspired by divine connection.

Divine Inspiration
- Artists believed they were channeling messages from the divine while creating art, akin to prophets receiving revelations.
- Example: An artist believes the sculpture is contained within the stone, and their job is to reveal it through carving.
Influence of the Printing Press
- Increased travel and the printing press led to wider distribution of artistic works, changing art's accessibility.
- Artists like Albrecht Dürer gained international recognition due to prints of their work.

Notable Artists
- Donato Bramante: Renowned architect known for classical architecture (Roman grade architecture).
- Dürer: Pioneered international fame through printmaking.
Methods and Mediums
- Artists used wood and metal initially for prints, with wood being more common.
- Tempura: Fast-drying medium using egg yolk, allowing artists to achieve vibrant colors.
Marble
- Adapted from ancient Greek art; challenging to work with due to its permanence.

Recognition of Female Artists
- Few female artists were recognized during the Renaissance, with their works often overlooked or credited to male artists.
- Discussion of Jackson Pollock's friend Lee Krasner, who faced similar challenges in the early 20th century art scene.
Post-Renaissance Developments
- Gradual acceptance of female artists in the Baroque period and later, though they faced barriers in receiving formal training.

Creation and Revision
- Artists worked for extended periods on pieces, revising for perfection.
- Challenges associated with merging naturalism and divine inspiration in religious artworks.

Michelangelo's Duality
- Viewed as both a devout Christian and someone who questioned religious norms through anatomical studies.
- Engagement with both religious inspiration and scientific inquiry exemplified a conflictual relationship with religion.
Art and Religion
- Michelangelo's works often explored the intersection of divine inspiration and human anatomy, creating a tension between faith and scientific exploration.

Conflictual Human Nature
- Tension between the divine and human experience is a profound aspect of humanity.
- Emphasis on a more nuanced understanding of human nature beyond binary concepts of faith versus rationality.

Sfumato
- Technique involving soft transitions between colors and tones, creating an atmospheric effect in paintings.
Foreshortening
- Method of depicting objects in space, creating an illusion of depth and perspective in artworks.
Chiaroscuro
- Use of contrasting light and shadow to create a three-dimensional effect on flat surfaces.

Overview of the Work
- Commissioned by Pope Julius II for the Vatican Library, depicting various branches of knowledge: philosophy, theology, poetry, and law.
- Notable figures include Plato and Aristotle, symbolizing different philosophical views.
Symbolism and Composition
- Plato pointing towards the heavens (ideal forms) and Aristotle looking toward the earth (empirical observation).
- Raphael's self-inclusion among historical thinkers reflects his role in the Renaissance.

Philosophy vs Religion
- Transition in the Renaissance from viewing philosophy as adversarial to religion to a more integrated approach recognizing philosophical contributions within a Christian context.

The Creation of Adam
- Famous work by Michelangelo depicting God's creation of Adam through the iconic touch of fingers.

Idealization and Realism
- Balance of depicting the ideal human form while maintaining naturalistic qualities.
Influence on Later Art
- Establishing the tradition of reclining nudes and sensual representations through techniques such as glazing and chiaroscuro.