Saturday, April 14, 2018

Western History Event 83 - The Brilliance of Renaissance Art


Schools of Art during the Renaissance were themselves driven by a rebirth of classical ideas, enhanced patronage and innovation. While Florence is often viewed as the center of Renaissance Art this is somewhat misleading as there were renowned schools in Naples, Venice and Rome. In addition France, Germany, Britain and the Low Countries were significant contributors to the art of this period.

The Following table breaks down the Four Periods of Renaissance art and highlights the various artists associated with each.  Key style techniques that developed during the Renaissance include a better understanding of proportion, foreshortening (creates the illusion of depth), stumato (blurring) and chiaroscuro (Contrast light and dark).

Table 14 Renaissance Periods in Italy

Period
Timeline
Key Facets of the Art
Chief Artists
Proto Renaissance Italian
1280-1400
Figurative, religious themed, influenced by the classics, three-dimensional
Giotto, Nicola Pisano, Giovanni Pisano, Giorgio Vasari
Early Renaissance
1400-1475
Greater focus on naturalism. Mystical union with God.
Massacio, Paolo Ucello, Piero della Francesca
High Renaissance
1475-1525
More influence of light and perspective. Strong definition of classical; spirit – harmony, beauty and serenity. Better detailing of anatomy.
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian
Mannerism
1525 -1600
Exaggerates qualities of proportion, beauty and balance. Great degree of Intellectual sophistication.
Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo, Tintoretto


Renaissance Art was by no means limited to Italy. There were great schools of art in Germany, France, Britain and the Low Countries. Notable artists from these regions include – Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein, Michael Pacher, Enguerrand Quarton, Jean Fouquet, Jean Hey, the Limbourg brothers, Nicholas Hilliard, Jan van Eyck, Higo van der Goes, Hieronymous Bosch, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Rogier van der Weyden.


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