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Renaissance Review:
A “rebirth” of Classical ideas and learning (c.1350-1550+)
How did that affect art?
► Studied Greek and Roman sculptures, architecture, literature, and philosophies on life: Invention
of printing press (c. 1440) helped spread ideas
► HUMANISM: Classical philosophy that humans have value; it stressed ethics, morals, intellect,
reason – life is worth living, make it worthwhile
► Classical Greek influences: proportion, balance, harmony in art and architecture
► Realistic, yet idealized forms; youthful, graceful, emotion is restrained, calm
► Intellect was valued: advances in science and math were seen in art (anatomy, perspective)
► Linear and aerial perspective (atmospheric) to show space
► Compositions in paintings were balanced, often somewhat symmetrical. Look for triangular
compositions, where head figure is at the “point”.
► Figures had 3d quality (not flat) through value contrasts to make forms seem realistic
► Narrative, (work tells a story, shows a scenes); sometimes contains symbolism
► Paintings were mainly frescoes – on walls, and ceiling
► Work was meant to be clear, to illustrate figures and stories of Christianity, but also to “show off”
patrons’ wealth, and lavish art collection.
► Patrons of the arts (people who pay for art) commissioned (requested and paid for) artists to
create artworks – Popes, religious leaders, Medici’s, etc.
Renaissance “Giants”: (Know their style and these paintings/sculptures)
 Sandro Botticelli: (Birth of Venus, Primavera) – Classical figures, used mythology
 Leonardo Da Vinci (Mona Lisa, Virgin of the Rocks, The Last Supper)
 Michelangelo Buonarroti (Sistine Chapel Ceiling, The Last Judgment, David)
 Rapheal Sanzio (Triumph of Galatea, Stanze di Raffaello)
 Donatello: (David)
Some Renaissance art terms:
 Chiaroscuro: strong contrast between light and dark; makes subjects look more 3D
 Sfumato: Soft blurring of edges in a painting; smoky, hazy effect
 Allegory: In a painting, this is a visual representation/personification of an abstract idea: ex.
Truth, or Virtue, or Spring, portrayed as a person.
 Putti: Little nude angels
 Trompe Loeil: Realistic painting that fools the eye into thinking what it sees is real; painters
would often paint fake architecture on the walls using linear perspective to make it look real, or a
sky on the ceiling, etc.
 Foreshortening - in a drawing/painting, it is the shortening of the dimensions of a figure, object.
etc. that is being seen from an angle (or twisted, in movement, etc), in order to create a realistic
illusion of depth.
 fresco (pl. frescoes) - Simply defined, painting on plaster. There are two methods, buon fresco
(wet pigment on wet plaster) and fresco secco (wet of dry plaster)