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Renaissance 10 minute essay prompts.
1-Donatello’s Mary Magdalene, Florentine Baptistery
Identify the period in which this work was made. Discuss ways in which it departs from the more typical
artistics concerns of it period.
2-Paolo Uccello, The Battle of San Romano
Discuss how this painting reflects the artist’s understanding of the new theory of mathematical
perspective.
3-Van Eyck’s The Ghent Altarpiece panel with Adam and Eve and
Masaccio’s Expulsion of Adam and Eve
Compare and contrast the figures of Adam and Eve from these two works. Remember to discuss the
relation to the artist’s use of material and the presentation of the body (form).
4-Bramante, The Tempietto, ca. 1504, Rome.
Identify the building or its architect. Discuss the ways in which the building exemplifies the ideals of the
period in which it was created.
5-Raphael, The School of Athens, Vatican.
Whom did Pope Julius II commission to paint this work for his library? In what ways do the style and
subject of the painting reflect the interests of its patron?
6-Rodin, The Thinker, bronze, 1879-89, 1903-04 and
Michelangelo, Moses, Tomb of Julius II 1513.
Name the artists who made these works. Discuss the style and subject matter of each work. To what
extent is each work representative of its era?
7-Jan Van Eyck, Giovanni Arnolfini and his Bride and Botticelli, Primavera
Discuss each painter’s treatment of the theme of marriage in relation to the innovations and influences of
Humanism and the ideals of Renaissance.
8-Interior views of Brunelleschi’s Santo Spirito and Pazzi Chapel
Discuss the ways in which these structures represent the ideals espoused during the early Italian
Renaissance.
9-Cimabue, Madona Enthroned with Angels and Prophets and
Raphael, The Small Cowper Madonna
These two paintings depict similar subjects. Which work is earlier? Explain your choice, comparing and
contrasting the two images.
10-Giotto, Lamentation from the Arena Chapel
What are the ways Giotto’s work breaks from the Italio- Byzantine traditions of the past while opening
the door to the innovations that will characterize the Early Renaissance in Italy.
11-Durer, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Knight, Death and the Devil
These two works are by the same artist. Identify the artist. Using both works, discuss ways in which the
works reflect the artist’s medieval roots as well as his awareness of Italian Renaissance innovations.
12-Van der Goes, Adam and Eve Tempted by the Snake and
Michelangelo, Adam and Eve (detail of The Temptation)
These two works, painted in different regions of Europe, deal with the same subject matter. The work on
the right was created in Italy. Identify the region in which the work on te left was created. How does each
work reflect its respective regional traditions?
13-Ghiberti, Gates of Paradise, east doors of the Baptistery, S. Giovanni, Florence, 1435.
Olowe of Ise, Yoruba Palace Doors, Nigeria, 20 th century
The wooden palace doors on the right were made by Olowe of Ise in Nigeria in the 20 th century. Identify
the time period and artist of the bronze doors on the left. Compare and contrast the two sets of doors in
term of composition and relief techniques.