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Early Renaissance

Changing view on life, purpose

Rediscovery of classical art and literature

Rise of “Humanism”

Rise of merchant class = capitalism

Center of the Early Renaissance- rebirth of classical learning, literature and art

“New Athens”- valued their classical heritage Devalued their medieval past

Revived the classical Greek ideal

15th cent- Florence was wealthiest city in Europe

“Beginning of Renaissance”

1401- hundreds of artists submitted commissions for door panels; theme “Sacrifice of Abraham”

Top two: Brunelleschi and Ghiberti

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Invented by Brunelleschi

Geometric method of creating depth on 2-D surface

Significant discoveries in history of Western art

Theory described in book De Pictura (On Painting), by Leon Alberti, 1435.

orthogonals

VPHorizon line

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Wealthiest family in Florence

Humanists

Biggest supporters of arts in Italy

Used imagery to extend fame, influence

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New artistic devices:

Linear perspective,

chiaroscuro,

pyramidal composition

Brunelleschi’s dome

Donatello’s revival of contrapposto

Humanist ideals reflected in artwork

Death of Lorenzo Medici

Rise of Conservative Monk Savonarola

Rome becomes new cultural, economic and artistic center of High Renaissance during the 16th century

1. What were Brunelleschi’s contributions to the techniques used in the Early Renaissance?

2. What is significant about Donatello’s “David”?

3. Describe the significance of the Medici family to the arts during the Early Renaissance.

4. What is the pyramidal composition, why did artists in the 15th century favor it?

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Holland, Nederlands, Germany

North rejects the teachings of Rome (Papal authority)

Individualism in religion- Protestant

Lutheranism grows in Germany

Artists in the north are not viewed as “genius”, viewed as crafts people

Stronger guild system; primary business

Traveling artists created an “International” style

Finely painted details

Colorful costumes

Professions of people

Manuscript tradition-Gothic style

Oil paint: Makes painting glow, portable images, altar pieces, accessible to everyone

Meticulous detail, elegant—NOT realistic Gothic style of decoration, stained glass

Secular imagery, landscapes, portraits, genre scenes (Protestant rejection of idolatry)

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1517- Martin Luther nailed criticisms of Roman Church to church in Wittenberg, Germany Bible was true word of God Pope= Antichrist People should have direct connection to Bible/Christ

Many Germans agreed with Martin Luther Ex. Masses conducted in German vs. Latin

Christians were spilt into Catholics or Protestants

Encouraged the denominations Calvinism Church of Englan

Calvinism shunned displays of wealth also forbid idolatry

Northern artists displayed teaching of Martin Luther in artwork

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Northern Renaissance style:

Detailed naturalism

Hidden symbolism

Use of oil

Human forms not “classical”

Impact of Protestant Reformation Genre painting

Portraits

What are the stylistic tendencies of the Northern Renaissance?

Why was oil the favored medium of Northern artists?

Discuss the medieval qualities and Italian Renaissance elements of the work by: Jan van Eyck Albrecht Durer Pieter Bruegel the Elder