the Renaissance? What is… Renaissance literally means “rebirth.” “The Renaissance is a period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries when there was a new interest in science and in ancient art and literature especially in Italy.” Source: Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary

The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy around the year 1400 (i. e The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy around the year 1400 (i.e. the Early Italian Renaissance). From there the Renaissance, or “rebirth”, of culture spread to Rome and Venice (i.e. the High Renaissance). By the year 1500, it spread to the rest of Europe: the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, and England (i.e. Northern Renaissance). Source: Strickland, Carol. The Annotated Mona Lisa (2nd Edition). Andrew McMeel Publishing, Missouri. 2007. pg. 32.

Renaissance Ideas: GREEK & ROMAN INFLUENCE HUMANISM NEOPLATONISM DIVINE PROPORTION ARTIST MASTERS

Greek & Roman Influence Writings and artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome were being uncovered and studied at this time.

Humanism The concept that “Man is the measure of all things” was part of Greek philosophy was re- discovered and affected all aspects of society during the Renaissance. Example: architecture based on human proportions (influenced by the writings of Vitruvius)

Neoplatonism The idea that ancient philosophy is compatible with Christian beliefs.

Divine Proportion The Golden Mean or the Golden Ratio (1:1.6) is one example of how math was recognized as having a spiritual / symbolic quality because of its presence in nature.

Artists, Masters, & Renaissance Men Skilled tradesman beginning to be viewed as “artists” Highly skilled artists begin to be viewed as geniuses and “Masters” and the idea of the “masterpiece” was created A broad education – including philosophy, Latin / Greek language, math, science, art, etc. – for middle and upper class individuals gives rise to well-rounded “Renaissance Men” (and sometimes women).

Early Italian Renaissance Key Features: Linear Perspective Fresco Contrapposto Ideal Proportions Use of Allegory

Linear Perspective Linear perspective is a mathematical system for creating the illusion of space and distance on a flat surface.

The system originated in Florence, Italy in the early 1400s The system originated in Florence, Italy in the early 1400s. The artist and architect Brunelleschi demonstrated its principles, but another architect and writer, Leon Battista Alberti was first to write down rules of linear perspective for artists to follow.

Fresco Fresco (plural frescos or frescoes) is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly-laid, or wet lime plaster.

Contrapposto Contrapposto is a sculptural scheme, originated by the ancient Greeks, in which the standing human figure is poised such that the weight rests on one leg (called the engaged leg), freeing the other leg, which is bent at the knee.

Allegory Allegory: a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

High Renaissance Key Features: continued use of Early Italian Renaissance features, plus… Atmospheric Perspective Golden Mean Sfumato Chiaroscuro Pyramid Composition Oil Paint (borrowed from the Northern countries)

Atmospheric Perspective Atmospheric perspective (or aerial perspective) is a method of creating the illusion of depth, or recession, in a painting or drawing by changing colours to simulate changes effected by the atmosphere on the colours of things seen at a distance.

Sfumato Sfumato, (from Italian sfumare, “to tone down” or “to evaporate like smoke”), in painting or drawing, the fine shading that produces soft, imperceptible transitions between colours and tones.

Chiaroscuro The term chiaroscuro (from the Italian words chiaro, meaning "light," and scuro, meaning "dark") refers to the use of light and shade in a work of art to define three-dimensional objects.

Pyramid Composition The pattern is balanced and symmetrical, making it easy for the human eye to follow. During the Renaissance, artists became more aware of composition, and that is when pyramid composition became common. Pyramid compositions are often found in nature.

Oil Paint The oil painting technique was to become dominant in the 15th and 16th centuries. Oil provided a versatile medium in which the artist was allowed the freedom to change the composition of his painting. Because the colour saturation of the paint was enhanced by the use of oil, no other medium could reproduce it's range of both transparency and opacity. During the early renaissance period oil painting was used first by the Netherlandish painters and was eventually taken up by their counterparts in Italy.

Northern Renaissance Key Features: Oil Paints Symbolism Realistic Details Inaccurate Depth (some exceptions later)

Oil Paint Oil paint was created at this time (1400’s) in the North and spread into Italy later. Oil allow for richer colours, more contrast (lights & darks) and details.

Symbolism Northern artists used everyday objects as symbols. For example: the Lily = Virgin Mary, Candle = presence of God.

Realistic Details People are depicted very realistically even if in an unflattering manner. Objects are portrayed with very fine details.

Inaccurate Depth Depth is simulated through overlapping but often often can appear cramped or distorted because no set rules (such as perspective) are typically followed.