Society & Arts of the Renaissance Painting, Sculpture, Literature & Architecture,

Arts in the Renaissance The Renaissance saw the flourishing of all forms of artistic expression, including: Painting, Literature, Sculpture, and Architecture!

Characteristics of Renaissance Painting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf2G2Il8crw

Art and Patronage Patrons were wealthy people who supported artists with money Italians were willing to spend a lot of money on art. Art communicated social, political, and spiritual values. This therefore encouraged artists to create many pieces Therefore, the consumption of art was used as a form of competition for social & political status!

New Style of Art in the Renaissance Artist became interested in portraying the beauty of the human body and the natural world Still focusing greatly on religion, similar to the Middle Ages, Renaissance artists began looking at their work in different ways. What does this tell us about the changing worldviews?? Sandro Botticelli Birth of Venus (1486)

Middle Ages vs. Renaissance Giotto (Middle Ages) Raphael (Renaissance) Looking at Renaissance art, we must consider: How do they reflect the the Humanist interest in the individual, the present world, beauty and human excellence?

Characteristics of Renaissance Art Renaissance Art is defined by the following Characteristics: Realism & Expression Perspective Classicism Emphasis on Individualism

1. Realism & Expression “Expulsion from the Garden” by Masaccio in 1427 First nudes since classical times.

2. Perspective First use of linear perspective! Perspective! “The Trinity” by Masaccio 1427 Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! First use of linear perspective! What you are, I once was; what I am, you will become.

Perspective

The “Classical Pose” Medici “Venus” (1c) 3. Classicism Greco-Roman influence. Mixing Greek and Roman gods with and Roman mythology with human world Humanism. Individualism  free standing figures. Symmetry/Balance The “Classical Pose” Medici “Venus” (1c)

4. Emphasis on Individualism By Piero della Francesca, 1465-1466. Batista Sforza & Federico de Montefeltre: The Duke & Dutchess of Urbino By Piero della Francesca, 1465-1466.

Isabella d’Este – da Vinci, 1499 1474-1539 “First Lady of the Italian Renaissance.” Great patroness of the arts. Known during her time as “First Lady of the World!”

Architecture

Ren. Vs Medieval Architecture Middle Ages Architecture Renaissance Architecture Gothic Style Mostly repeated the same design Usually contained Buttress for support High Ceilings Revival of Greco-Roman Focus on Symmetry and squares Considered an Artist – not laborer

ARCHITECTURE “An architect should be a good writer, a skillful draftsman, versed in geometry and optics, expert at figures, acquainted with history, informed on the principles of natural and moral philosophy, somewhat of a musician, not ignorant of the law and of physics, nor of motions laws, and relations to each other of the heavenly bodies” – Marcus Vitrvius Pollio in Ten Books

Filippo Brunelleschi (Architect)

Filippo Brunelleschi Commissioned to build the cathedral dome. Used unique architectural concepts. He studied the ancient Pantheon in Rome. Used ribs for support.

Brunelleschi (Church of San Lorenzo)

Sculpture

SCULPTURE Middle Ages – seen as craftspeople rather than artists Part of construction of cathedrals to sculpt biblical scenes Just like architects, sculptors became famous artists Sculptors (like Michelangelo) became celebrities!!!

La Pieta Mary’s beauty to reflect spiritual perfection

DAVID Two statues of the biblical hero David – Donatello’s on the right, and Michelangelo's on the left

Literature

LITERATURE Renaissance saw the translation of Greek and Latin books into the vernacular common spoken languages such as Italian, English, French, etc Therefore.. Knowledge became more accessible to all people! Also resulted in more people writing books

PETRARCH (1304-1374) Italian Poet and Scholar Considered the founder of Humanism Created with creating the model for the Italian language

Christine de Pisan (1364-1430) Europe’s first female writer UNHEARD of at that time! Poetry, history, essays and bios City of Women – Men and women should be judged based on their virtues, not on the basis of their gender