Renaissance Art and Architecture

Art and Architecture

• Characteristics:
  • Classical influence from ancient Greece and Rome
  • Realism and humanism
  • Use of perspective and sfumato
  • Ornate and detailed decoration
• Famous artists:
  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Michelangelo
  • Raphael
  • Titian
• Famous architectures:
  • St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
  • Florence Cathedral
  • Palazzo Medici-Riccardi in Florence

Humanism

• Definition: a philosophical and intellectual movement that emphasizes the potential of human beings to achieve great things through education, reason, and individualism
• Key principles:
  • Focus on human experience and emotions
  • Revival of classical Greek and Roman texts
  • Importance of education and individualism
• Influential humanists:
  • Petrarch
  • Boccaccio
  • Pico della Mirandola

Medici Family

• A powerful and influential family in Florence during the Renaissance
• Key members:
  • Cosimo de' Medici (founder of the dynasty)
  • Lorenzo de' Medici (the Magnificent)
  • Giovanni de' Medici (later Pope Leo X)
• Contributions:
  • Patrons of the arts and architecture
  • Financed the works of famous artists and thinkers
  • Played a significant role in shaping Florentine politics and culture

Leonardo da Vinci

• Polymath: artist, inventor, engineer, and scientist
• Famous works:
  • Mona Lisa
  • The Last Supper
  • Vitruvian Man
• Inventions and designs:
  • Flying machines
  • Armored vehicles
  • Submarines
  • Machines for lifting heavy weights
• Scientific contributions:
  • Studies on human anatomy
  • Observations on light and shadow
  • Theories on flight and motion

Art and Architecture

• Characterized by classical influence from ancient Greece and Rome, realism, and humanism
• Features use of perspective and sfumato, and ornate and detailed decoration
• Famous artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian
• Famous architectures include St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Florence Cathedral, and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi in Florence

Humanism

• A philosophical and intellectual movement that emphasizes human potential through education, reason, and individualism
• Focuses on human experience and emotions, and revives classical Greek and Roman texts
• Importance of education and individualism are key principles
• Influential humanists include Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Pico della Mirandola

Medici Family

• A powerful and influential family in Florence during the Renaissance
• Key members include Cosimo de' Medici (founder), Lorenzo de' Medici (the Magnificent), and Giovanni de' Medici (later Pope Leo X)
• Contributions include patronage of arts and architecture, financing famous artists and thinkers, and shaping Florentine politics and culture

Leonardo da Vinci

• A polymath: artist, inventor, engineer, and scientist
• Famous works include Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Vitruvian Man
• Inventions and designs include flying machines, armored vehicles, submarines, and machines for lifting heavy weights
• Scientific contributions include studies on human anatomy, observations on light and shadow, and theories on flight and motion

Characteristics of Renaissance Art

• Renaissance art is characterized by humanism, focusing on human experience, emotions, and individualism.
• Accurate depiction of nature and the human form is a key feature of Renaissance art, known as realism.
• The art of the Renaissance is influenced by classical Greek and Roman styles and techniques.
• Linear perspective is used to create depth and illusion of space in Renaissance art.
• Sfumato is a technique used to blend colors, creating a soft, hazy effect.

Famous Renaissance Artists

• Leonardo da Vinci is a polymath and master of various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and architecture.
• Michelangelo is a sculptor, painter, and architect, known for his technical skill and emotional depth.
• Raphael is a painter and architect, known for his harmonious and balanced compositions.
• Titian is a Venetian painter, known for his vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes.

Renaissance Architectural Styles

• Classical Revival is a style characterized by the use of columns, arches, and domes, inspired by classical Greek and Roman architecture.
• Renaissance Revival is a style that blends classical elements with modern innovations.
• Mannerism is a style that reacts against classical restraint, characterized by elaborate and unconventional designs.

Famous Renaissance Architectural Works

• St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is a famous architectural work designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno.
• Florence Cathedral in Florence is a famous architectural work designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
• Palladio's Villas in the Veneto region are famous architectural works designed by Andrea Palladio.

Renaissance Artistic Techniques

• Fresco is a technique used to paint on wet plaster, often used for large-scale murals.
• Sculpture is a technique used to carve and model materials such as marble and bronze.
• Printmaking is a technique used to reproduce images through techniques such as engraving and etching.

Renaissance Artistic Movements

• High Renaissance is characterized by balance, harmony, and classical restraint.
• Mannerism is characterized by emotional intensity, complexity, and innovative use of techniques.
• Venetian School is characterized by vivid colors, expressive brushstrokes, and a focus on light and atmosphere.