Renaissance Review:
A “rebirth” of Classical ideas and learning (c.1350-1550+)
How did that affect art?
►Studied Greek and Roman sculptures, architecture, literature, and philosophies on life: Invention of printing press (c. 1440) helped spread ideas
►HUMANISM: Classical philosophy that humans have value; it stressed ethics, morals, intellect, reason – life is worth living, make it worthwhile
►Classical Greek influences: proportion, balance, harmony in art and architecture
►Realistic, yet idealized forms; youthful, graceful, emotion is restrained, calm
►Intellect was valued: advances in science and math were seen in art (anatomy, perspective)
►Linear and aerial perspective (atmospheric) to show space
►Compositions in paintings were balanced, often somewhat symmetrical. Look for triangular compositions, where head figure is at the “point”.
►Figures had 3d quality (not flat) through value contrasts to make forms seem realistic
►Narrative, (work tells a story, shows a scenes); sometimes contains symbolism
►Paintings were mainly frescoes – on walls, and ceiling
►Work was meant to be clear, to illustrate figures and stories of Christianity, but also to “show off” patrons’ wealth, and lavish art collection.
►Patrons of the arts (people who pay for art) commissioned (requested and paid for) artists to create artworks – Popes, religious leaders, Medici’s, etc.
Renaissance “Giants”: (Know their style and these paintings/sculptures)
Sandro Botticelli: (Birth of Venus, Primavera) – Classical figures, used mythology
Leonardo Da Vinci(Mona Lisa, Virgin of the Rocks, The Last Supper)
Michelangelo Buonarroti (Sistine Chapel Ceiling, The Last Judgment, David)
Rapheal Sanzio (Triumph of Galatea, Stanze di Raffaello)
Donatello: (David)
Some Renaissance art terms:
Chiaroscuro: strong contrast between light and dark; makes subjects look more 3D
Sfumato: Soft blurring of edges in a painting; smoky, hazy effect
Allegory: In a painting, this is a visual representation/personification of an abstract idea: ex. Truth, or Virtue, or Spring, portrayed as a person.
Putti: Little nude angels
Trompe Loeil: Realistic painting that fools the eye into thinking what it sees is real; painters would often paint fake architecture on the walls using linear perspective to make it look real, or a sky on the ceiling, etc.
Foreshortening - in a drawing/painting, it is the shortening of the dimensions of a figure, object. etc. that is being seen from an angle (or twisted, in movement, etc), in order to create a realistic illusion of depth.
fresco (pl. frescoes) - Simply defined, painting on plaster. There are two methods, buon fresco(wet pigment on wet plaster) and fresco secco (wet of dry plaster)