Renaissance Art Study Guide

Renaissance Art Study Guide

Date Ranges of Renaissance Periods:

• Early Renaissance: Approximately 1400-1500

• High Renaissance: Approximately 1500-1520

• Mannerism: Approximately 1520-1600

• Protestant Reformation: Began in 1517 (when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door)

Art Terms:

1. Chapter House: A room in a monastery or convent, used for meetings and discussions, often decorated with religious art.

2. Humanism: A Renaissance intellectual movement that emphasized the study of classical antiquity, focusing on human potential, individualism, and secular subjects alongside religious themes.

3. Madonna: Depiction of the Virgin Mary, often with the infant Jesus, in art.

4. Pietra Serena: A type of gray sandstone used in Renaissance architecture, especially associated with Florence.

5. Pilaster: A flat, rectangular column or pillar that is embedded into a wall and serves as a decorative element rather than a structural one.

6. Contrapposto: A stance in sculpture where the figure's weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a naturalistic, relaxed posture.

7. Canvas: A strong, durable fabric used as a medium for oil paintings.

8. Chiaroscuro: The use of light and shadow in art to create depth and volume.

9. In situ: Latin for "in place," refers to art or architecture that remains in its original location.

10. Last Supper: The final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples before his crucifixion; a popular subject in Christian art.

11. Sfumato: A painting technique where colors and tones are blended seamlessly, creating soft transitions and no harsh outlines (especially used by Leonardo da Vinci).

12. Sibyl: A prophetess or oracle, often depicted in classical mythology and Renaissance art, such as in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

Key Works & Artists:

1. Filippo Brunelleschi, Pazzi Chapel (interior & exterior):

   • Architectural style: Renaissance, with classical elements such as columns and arches.

   • Interior: Simplicity and harmony, focusing on geometry and balance.

2. Leon Battista Alberti, Palazzo Rucellai (Façade elements & purpose of each floor):

   • First Floor: Rusticated stonework (ground floor), used for strength and to support the building.

   • Second Floor: Smooth masonry with decorative pilasters, focusing on classical order.

   • Third Floor: Lighter masonry, signifying elegance and refinement. 

3. Fra Filippo Lippi, Madonna and Child with Two Angels:

   • Style: Early Renaissance, characterized by naturalistic figures and delicate use of color.

4. Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus:

   • Style: Early Renaissance, with an emphasis on mythology, idealized beauty, and flowing lines.

5. Donatello, David:

   • Style: Early Renaissance, first free-standing nude statue since antiquity; emphasizes youth and naturalism.

6. Verrocchio, David:

   • Style: Early Renaissance, more detailed and refined compared to Donatello's David, showing strength and youth.

7. Michelangelo, David:

   • Style: High Renaissance, idealized and muscular, representing the biblical hero as a symbol of human potential and strength.
     

8. Leonardo da Vinci, Last Supper:

   • Mentor: Andrea del Verrocchio taught Leonardo, particularly in technique and composition.

   • Artistic Elements: Use of perspective and emotional expression.

9. Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel Ceiling, Delphic Sybil, The Flood:

   • Style: High Renaissance, demonstrates human drama and anatomical precision.

   • Themes: Biblical stories, from Genesis to the prophetic figures like Sybils.

10. Michelangelo, Last Judgement (Mannerism):

• Style: Mannerism, characterized by exaggerated proportions and emotional intensity.

11. Raphael, School of Athens:

• Style: High Renaissance, focuses on classical philosophers and the synthesis of knowledge.

12. Titian, Venus of Urbino:

• Style: Venetian Renaissance, known for its sensuality and rich color palette.

13. Jacopo da Pontormo, Entombment of Christ (Mannerism):

• Style: Mannerism, with elongated figures and a focus on emotional expressiveness.

Mannerism Style:

• Characteristics: Elongated figures, complex poses, ambiguous space, and exaggerated emotional expression. Mannerism emerged after the High Renaissance as a reaction to its idealized forms and balance.

Differences Between the Three “David” Statues:

1. Donatello’s David (Early Renaissance):

   • Material: Bronze.

   • Posture: Contrapposto; youthful and androgynous, standing relaxed with one leg bent.

   • Significance: First freestanding nude since antiquity, symbolizing youthful beauty and the victory of intellect over brute force.

2. Verrocchio’s David (Early Renaissance):

   • Material: Bronze.

   • Posture: More naturalistic than Donatello’s; standing in contrapposto, but with a stronger and more confident pose.

   • Significance: Represents a heroic figure, celebrating strength and maturity.

3. Michelangelo’s David (High Renaissance):

   • Material: Marble.

   • Posture: Tense, muscular, and poised in a moment of action, preparing for battle.

   • Significance: Idealized human form, embodying the strength and potential of humanity.

General Layout of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling:

• The ceiling is divided into panels, with scenes from Genesis (Creation of Adam, The Fall of Man, The Flood) forming the central narrative. Around the central panels are figures of prophets and sibyls, each engaged in a dramatic pose. The architecture of the ceiling also plays a role, with framed areas and architectural elements to organize the figures.

Medium for Each Image:

1. Fra Filippo Lippi, Madonna and Child with Two Angels: Tempera on wood.

2. Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus: Tempera on canvas.

3. Donatello, David: Bronze.

4. Verrocchio, David: Bronze.

5. Michelangelo, David: Marble.

6. Leonardo da Vinci, Last Supper: Tempera and oil on plaster.

7. Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel Ceiling: Fresco.

8. Michelangelo, Last Judgement: Fresco.

9. Raphael, School of Athens: Fresco.

10. Titian, Venus of Urbino: Oil on canvas.

11. Jacopo da Pontormo, Entombment of Christ: Oil on wood.

Essay Questions:

1. Titian, Venus of Urbino:

   • Discuss how Titian introduces the female nude genre in a more sensual and naturalistic manner. Focus on the use of color, texture, and emotional tone. Contrast this with the more restrained depictions of the human body by Florentine and Roman artists, emphasizing the Venetian style of rich color and emotional depth.

2. Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel Ceiling:

   • Patron: Pope Julius II.

   • Subject: The creation of the world, the Fall of Man, and scenes from Genesis, reflecting Christian beliefs and the power of God.

   • Ambitions of Patron: Pope Julius II sought to glorify the church and assert his political and spiritual power. Michelangelo’s depiction of divine creation and human potential aligns with the pope’s vision of reinforcing papal authority and the central role of Christianity in human life. Use the scenes of The Creation of Adam and The Fall of Man to show the human potential for both greatness and sin.