The Renaissance

Medieval Art Highly influenced by religion Most artists came from monasteries Almost all major art was commissioned by the church Artists painted in a way that emphasized religious images and symbolism rather than realism.

Medieval Art Painters paid little attention to making humans and animals look lifelike or creating natural looking landscapes Images often looked flat Human figures appeared stiff and disproportionate

Renaissance Techniques - Roman art had been very realistic, and Renaissance painters developed new techniques for representing both humans and landscapes in realistic ways. Perspective: artistic technique used to give drawings and paintings a three-dimensional effect Shading: used to make objects look round and real Painters and sculptors studied human anatomy and drew from live models This allowed them portray the human body more accurately than medieval artists had done

How is this Renaissance painting different? The figures are more realistic, the human body is accurately depicted, and it has perspective. While Masaccio’s figures are not as highly realistic as those created by later Renaissance artists, they are a definite departure from human figures in medieval art. Masaccio, who was trained in medicine and was therefore probably somewhat familiar with the study of the human body, clearly tried to re-create actual human anatomy in The Trinity. This is not readily apparent in the four figures below the cross, since they are covered in robes: however, even the robes appear draped in a realistic way. The figure of Jesus is the best showcase of Masaccio’s skills: the torso and arms are well defined with mostly accurate-looking musculature. Masaccio probably used a human model as an image to paint from, though this technique was not used by many medieval artists.

Why was Renaissance Art revolutionary? The ideas of humanism, realism, and classicism are all reflected Humanists focused on human potential and achievements Artworks glorify the human body and reflect classical influence. Use of perspective (3-D) New emphasis on individuals that reveal their subject’s personality