Early Italian Renaissance

Background Italian city-states controlled by ruling families. – One very important family was the Medici family in Florence. HUGE patrons of the arts. Unofficial ruling family of Florence during 15 th c. Florence, Italy was the intellectual, financial, and artistic center of the Italian Renaissance for most of the 15th c.

Renaissance starts in Florence, ends in Rome. Renaissance revived the ancient Greek ideal that “man is the measure of all things” History, literature, and mythology were studied, along with Christian subjects. Humanist schools and libraries were founded The excellence of man was made up of the human body and the human soul. New interest in archeology

Renaissance Architecture Order, clarity and light Wide windows, limited stained glass, bright wall paintings Harmony achieved through proportion

Pazzi Chapel, Brunelleschi, Italian Renaissance, 1440

Interior of Pazzi Chapel

Chapel attached to the Basilica of the Holy Cross – Meeting place for Franciscan Monks Centralized Plan: – Two barrel vaults on the interior – Small dome over crossing Very muted tones-restrained Glazed terra-cotta tiles

Palazzo Ruciellai Leon Battista Alberti, Italian Ren.,

Alberti emphasized the aesthetic importance of harmonious proportions – Well known important architect who studied classical architecture in depth Florentine palace commissioned by Giovanni Ruccelai, a wealthy merchant Three floors of equal height Flat pilasters support the entablatures

Like the Colosseum, created a sense that the top was lighter in weight then the bottom – Tuscan (Etruscan inspired) capital on the bottom floor – Composite (combo of Ionic volutes and Corinthian leaves) for second floor – Corinthian third floor

David, Donatello, Italian Renaissance, Bronze, 1432

Donatello revived the Classical nude! – First large free standing nude since antiquity – Nudity seen as idolatrous and indecent in Medieval art It possessed both the relaxed classical contrapposto stance and the proportionate sensual beauty of Greek gods Life-sized work that was not used for public viewing. Made for the courtyard at the Medici palace Symbol of the victory of the small and self sufficient over the brute force of much larger opponents

Nonchalant stance, contemplating the victory over Goliath Laurel on hat indicates David was a poet, hat has contemporary floppy Renaissance design, military boots Self-confident assertive pose.

Tribute Money, Masaccio, Brancacci Chapel, Florence Italy, Italian Renaissance, Fresco, 1427

It is said that Early Renaissance painting began when Massaccio painted this fresco – Massachio died at age 27 3 part continuous narrative-illustrates story from new testament, Matthew- 17: – Tax collectors Christ is in the center, surrounded by his disciples, tax collectors facing away from the crowd Monumentality of figures; figures cast shadows due to one light source created which is coming from the right side-unifies the composition.

Atmospheric perspective is used to add depth One point linear perspective used-Christ’s head is the vanishing point Figures appear weighty, revealing bone, muscles and joints Reason for subject of painting- a way to protest tax being implemented at the time

Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli, Italian Renaissance, 1482, Tempera on Canvas 3

One of most famous painters employed by Medici family Painting inspired by Humanist poetry retelling of Greek myth Based on traditional mythology but with Christian symbolism Pagan theme protected by Medici family Venus symbolizes the rebirth of humanity – Often compared to the rebirth of Christ also the baptism of Christ

Venus’s nude presentation was revolutionary at that time because the nude (especially women) had been practically banned during the medieval ages Roses in water symbolize how love can be painful Stylistically after Praxiteles’ Aphrodite of Knidos Landscape is flat and unrealistic

One of the first works of Italian done on canvas instead of wood Figures and fabric are beautifully drawn- the pale colors and floating appearance of the figures add to the unreality of the subject The feeling of lightness is because of the illusion that the wind creates – Draperies appear to move easily with the winds

Madonna and Child with Angels Fra Fillipo Lippo, Italian 1481 Tempera on wood 1

Orphaned Monk who liked to live on the wild side – Protection of Medici family was the only thing that saved him Shows off artist’s skill to manipulate a line-in this piece to unify the composition. Very smooth and precise. This work shows how far artists had carried the humanization of theme “Mary and the Christ Child” – Madonna, isn’t at all appearing to be fragile or weak and neither is the Christ Child – The little angel holding the baby has a mischievous grin Background in the window- the Arno River Botticelli studied under him