Art Characteristics through the Ages

Characteristics of Classical Art Mythological Themes/Heroes ancient Greek & Romans viewed as religious Idealized portrayal of subject: Larger than life Emphasized fitness and strength Nude Contrapposto = Italian “for set against.” Position of body with weight on one leg while the other is at rest- suggests movement. Uses balance and perspective (technique used to give depth to a painting using lines and angles), symmetry and simplicity.

What is Contrapposto? Michelangelo’s David is a great example. The right leg is the weight-bearing leg. The left leg is relaxed and suggests movement. It is a relaxed natural posture. Compare to ancient Egyptian statues.

Differences between Ancient Egyptian and Greek Sculpture Greek Art Egyptian Art

Differences between Ancient Egyptian and Greek Sculpture Hermes Greek Art Egyptian Art

Nike of Samothrace Artist: Unknown 190 BC

Athena Unknown Hellenistic Period

Socrates Unknown Hellenistic Period

Three Graces Unknown 100 BC Three Graces

Characteristics of Medieval Art Religious Themes New Testament Lives of saints Lack of emotion/stiff flat (almost cartoonish looking) Stylized portrayal of subject: Gold background Faces all look the same

Christus Patiens Marcovoldo 1260 AD

Christus Patiens Coppo di Marcovaldo 1261 AD

Joan of Arc Unknown Early Middle Ages

Madonna and Child Duccio di Buoninsegna Late Middle Ages (1300?)

Enthroned Madonna and Child with Angels and Prophets (Maesta) Cimabue 1280 AD

Madonna Enthroned with Angels and Saints (Maesta) Duccio 1311 AD

Medieval Classroom Artist: Unknown Late Middle Ages

Characteristics of Renaissance Art Science of Looking: Perspective : gives depth by using lines and angles. Light and shadow. Knowledge of anatomy and nature (looks realistic) Classicism- reference to ancient Greece and Rome: Mythological subject. Architecture. Style: larger than life, nude, contrapposto. Humanism: emphasis on the individual and emotions. Self-portrait/ordinary people. Emphasis on emotions/gestures.

Perspective First use of linear perspective! Perspective! The Trinity 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.

Light & Shadowing/Softening Edges Sfumato Chiaroscuro

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

* First Free Standing Nude Bronze Statue Since Classical Times David Donatello 1440 * First Free Standing Nude Bronze Statue Since Classical Times Find spot: David’s hat= Florentine Shephard’s hat. This is a statue for Florence (patron saint). Civic pride = Humanism.

` The Penitent Magdalen Donatello 1450

The Annunciation Fra Angelico 1445

Trinity with Mary, John the Evangelist and Two Donors Massacio 1428 Tour de force: artist displays master of a technique. (tiled arch in background)

(it looks like you can step into the entrance way into the picture) St. Jerome in His Study da Messina 1455 Trompe L’oeile: an Optical illusion. (it looks like you can step into the entrance way into the picture)

Adoration of the Magi Botticelli 1470

The Birth of Venus Botticelli 1486

Primavera Botticelli 1482

The Last Supper- Jesus’ last meal with apostles- was another common subject like the christus patiens and Maestas The Last Supper Dieric Bouts (1464-67)

The Last Supper Ghirlandaio (late 1400s)

The Last Supper Andrea del Castagno 1447

Madonna of the Goldfinch Raphael 1506

Madonna and Child with St. Anne Leonardo da Vinci 1513