The Renaissance Art period (c. 1400-1600) had a profound impact on the development of art history. Unlike earlier times when artists were considered skilled craftsmen with varying levels of recognition, the Renaissance raised their status in society.
However, during the Sassenach era, a transformation occurred. An artistic revolution emerged, revealing the magnificence of the oral realm to the global community. Prior to the Renaissance, religious themes greatly influenced the primary subjects of art. Artists sustained their livelihoods by creating religious depictions, saintly portraits, and paintings commissioned by nobility. It was widely believed that only religious imagery deserved to be painted. The painting technique was rather rudimentary, lacking proper consideration for anatomical precision, atmospheric elements, or geometric structure.
During the Renaissance era, paintings lacked depth and were dull in appearance. The subjects were often depicted in profile, lacking proper shading and perspective. However, this period sparked a renewed fascination with Greek and Roman culture, leading to advancements in understanding the human form as well as breakthroughs in mathematics and science. This era also introduced the concept of Humanism, which refers to the social philosophy and intellectual and literary movements that prevailed from 1400 to 1650.
The revival of pagan classics inspired secularism, the enjoyment of earthly pleasures, and most importantly enhanced the assertion of personal independence and individual expression. In this era, people were unafraid to challenge religious faith. Theories were validated by examining various facts and patterns, questioning the causes and motives behind events, and using logic to comprehend these inquiries. Suddenly, all of God’s creations, especially the human body, were respected as evidence of God’s immense power and flawlessness.
During the Renaissance, there was a strong connection between artistic beauty and morality, leading to a widespread admiration for beauty. This included different elements like portraying nudity in human figures, utilizing linear and atmospheric perspective, and having a greater fascination with nature. Artists also attained higher social standing during this time, as their works were no longer considered simple craftsmanship but rather awe-inspiring creations inspired by divinity. Furthermore, the Renaissance period witnessed the introduction of the printing press which played a vital role in facilitating the church’s reformation by allowing people to read the Bible in their native language.
During this era, the ancient Greek concept of the heavens came to an end. It was previously believed that the sun was at the center of the solar system and that planets revolved around it in circular orbits. However, observations proved this theory inaccurate. The Keeper proposed a more accurate theory stating that planets actually move in elliptical orbits and their speed varies depending on their distance from the sun.
Alongside these scientific advancements, there were also many talented artists during this time period. Notably, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo emerged as prominent figures. Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for his masterpiece, Mona Lisa, while Michelangelo gained fame for his remarkable work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Leonardo da Vinci was born in Vinci, Italy on April 15, 1452. He was raised by his father and began his apprenticeship at a young age under Overarching, an artist from Florence. During this time, Leonardo dedicated himself to honing diverse technical skills including metalworking, leather arts, carpentry, and sculpting. In 1478, he attained the status of master artist in the Guild of Saint Luke and established his own workshop. It was during this phase that he encountered Ludicrous Sports, who would eventually ascend to the position of Duke of Milan.
In 1482, Lorenz De’ Medici, a man from a prominent Italian family, enlisted the services of dad Vinci to craft a silver lyre and present it to Ludicrous IL Moor, the Duke of Milan, as a symbol of peace. Dad Vinci complied and subsequently penned a letter to Ludicrous detailing how his expertise in engineering and artistry could greatly benefit the court. In this missive, he outlined various tasks he could perform for the Duke, including constructing bridges, tunnels, and fortresses. Additionally, he expressed his ability to create aesthetically pleasing and practical siege guns, mortars, and other machinery. Lastly, he mentioned his proficiency in painting.
Michelangelo, renowned for his artistic brilliance and as the quintessential Renaissance man, possessed talents that extended beyond his artworks. Like other influential figures of the Renaissance humanism movement, he also harbored a strong interest in science. He meticulously recorded his observations and innovations across various fields such as botany, military engineering, human anatomy, and architecture. One of his numerous extraordinary paintings that captivated the world was the Mona Lisa; it continues to astound humanity to this day. Widely regarded as one of the most famous masterpieces of the Renaissance era, this painting holds immense significance. Michelangelo’s birth took place on March 6, 1475 in Caprese, Italy.
Despite being born into a banking family, Michelangelo began his art journey by apprenticing with a painter. He honed his skills while working in the sculpture gardens of the influential Medici family. This led to great success as an artist during the Italian Renaissance and recognition for his exceptional talent. Notable works include the renowned statues “David” and “Pieta,” along with ceiling frescoes in Rome’s Sistine Chapel, including the famous depiction of “Last Judgment.” Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo specifically to paint the chapel ceiling, which also served as a venue for papal elections.
Michelangelo revolutionized the art world with his depiction of elegant nudes and powerful seated figures on the ceiling. Through his painting, he narrated the Old Testament, beginning with the creation of Adam and concluding with the prophecy of the savior. Additionally, Michelangelo introduced a new standard for representing the human figure, portraying it not only as a character in a story but also as an emotionally and spiritually expressive entity. In this masterpiece, Michelangelo portrayed Adam with an unparalleled divine beauty. His work on the Sistine Ceiling elevated the importance of the human body, making it the central focus of his frescoes in both aesthetic and symbolic terms.
After studying the Renaissance Art era, it becomes evident why these two individuals stood out as leaders during that time. They inspired Humanism through their artwork, elevating its significance and giving art a fresh interpretation. Not only were they artists, but they were also inventors, poets, scientists, and most importantly, they transformed the way people perceived art. Through their influence, artists became regarded as intellectuals. Upon close examination of Da Vinci’s various paintings, one can notice his distinctive use of colors, skillfully blending them together to bring his images to life. His paintings can be likened to contemporary pictures of our time.
