Italian Renaissance
Early Renaissance dates
1300-1500
Medieval art
Frontal, flat, formal and static
Ignores/covers the human body
No representation of life as we see it (no 3D). Background is secondary, irrelevant to subject matter
Classical humanism
Belief that humans are rational and their potential for achievement is limitless. Refers back to the ideas of ancient Greece and Rome.
Northern Renaissance dates
1400-1650
Impact of N.R. on visual culture
Idealization in showing human beings is abandonned
Naturalism is used to emphasize the fallabitlity of human beings. Humans are shown, warts and all
No more Greco-Roman idealized clothing
No more idealized, perfectly proportioned human beings, buildings or landscapes.
Subject matter is about morality, human foibles, religious subjects, naturalistic portraits are NOT idealized
What is the Renaissance?
The Renaissance is a rebirth or revival of the idealized Greek and Roman Cultures of Antiquity. It's a cultural and intellectual movement in Europe from 1300-1600 that began in Italy and emphasized humanism, secularism and a renewed interest in all aspects of human achievement.
Italian Renaissance Art
Balanced, ordered compositions
Celebrates the form of the human body (naturalism) and idealizes human architecture and control of nature. Harmonious world.
Use of modelling to show bodies as volumes in space and light
2 and 3 point perspective to accurately show life in 3D
What did humanists believe (Italian Renaissance)?
Humanists believed the potential for human beings was limitless and idealized it.
Why the reformation?
Reaction agaisnt the power and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church.
-the church dominated all aspects of daily life
-the bible was written in latin and 90% of the pop was illiterate
-many priests, monks, the pope were flagrantly corrupt selling indulgences, cavorting with mistresses, selling grace to the highest bidder
-high priced indulgences were sold to buil St. Paul's cathedral
-ordinairy people were fed up with the hypocrisy of the church
The context for the Italian Renaissance
1. In 1450, Gutenberg perfects the moveable type printing press.
2. In 1453, Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire fall.
3. Financing in Florence by the Medici.
Define Idealism and Naturalism
Idealism: this is the most ideal version possible
Naturalism: each detail is depicted with exceptional life-like detail
An example of naturalism and idealism in art is Michelangelo's David.
Northern Renaissance humanism switch
Humanism continues but is tempered by doubts about human nature and its flaws.
Focus on religious or moral dilemmes, ethic concerns
skepticism about human perfection
interest in human fallibility or vulnerabilities
Martin Luther
In 1517, Martin Luther nails 95 theses to the door of a church. Attacks the church law that people need it as an intermediary with God (Quotes St-Paul: "the just live by faith alone"). Calls to eliminate indulgences, the pope, rituals, etc. Calls for a more egalitarian Christianity, personal and simplified. Translated the Bible into German. Excommunicated from the church but sets off a movement: Lutherism, simplified from of christianity, protestantism
What does the Italian Renaissance do? (8 things)
1. Rejects Medieval thoughts and ways of life.
2. Return to studia humanitatis, a Greek/Roman program of studies.
3.Celebrates learning for learning's sake.
4. Creates a foundation for secular government and the early modern state instead of a theocracy.
5. Creates a culture outside and beyond the church. 6. Establishes humanism as a way of thinking that persists for 600 years.
7. Introduces synthesis of Greek/Roman and 15th century Italian culture.
8.Linear perspective.
Renaissance artists
They studied human anatomy (took apart cadavres), as well as linear perspective and visual systems to accurately represent human vision with the same fervent intensity.
A few examples: Botticelli (the birth of Venus), Rpahel (the school of Athens), Michelangelo (the creation of Adam)
Consequences of his actions
New sects begin, all gathered under the name of protestantism.
All believers are equal: sparks interest in inequalities everywhere.
Leads to a german peasant revolt in 1525.
How do people living in the Renaissance view past history?
They want to return to the glory days of Antiquity and skip the dark superstitious Medieval culture.
What changed? (6 things)
1. Artists were funded by rich patrons (ex Medici). They innovated and developped their own styles, and grew famous and rich.
2. They were polymaths who innovated and adavnced what was possible.
3.Integration of Classical architecture.
4.Art show ideal world but with increased naturalism in showing human body
5.Art becomes part of what a civilized, well-rounded person must know about and support
6. Gave us a system of visual illusion: geometric and linear perspective