Renaissance Art and Michelangelo

Renaissance Period (1400-1600)

• Renaissance was a period of economic growth and enthusiasm for ancient philosophy and artistic values.
• The Italian Renaissance started in the late 14th century and was a time of significant artistic and intellectual advancements, marking the birth of secular art.
• Renaissance art featured accurate anatomy, scientific perspective, and detailed landscapes.
• Artists depicted realistic figures and balanced compositions.

Michelangelo (1475-1564)

• Michelangelo was a renowned Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet.
• He was considered the greatest living artist of his time and remains one of history's greatest artists.
• He produced impressive works in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Pieta

• The Pieta portrays the pain associated with redemption, shown through the Madonna holding Christ's body.
• Michelangelo skillfully depicts the divine qualities of the figures using realistic human beauty standards.

David (1501-1504)

• The David statue is a 5.17-meter marble statue of the biblical hero, created by Michelangelo.
• The statue was originally intended for the Florence Cathedral but eventually placed in the Piazza della Signoria.

Bacchus (1496-1497)

• A marble statue of the Roman god of wine, Bacchus, in a drunken pose.
• The sculpture features exaggerated features like rolling eyes and is somewhat large in scale.
• The figure of a satyr eating grapes is depicted seated behind Bacchus.

Dying Slave

• Depicts a slave figure sinking into a state of profound despair, almost surrendering to death.
• Michelangelo crafted the figure's intense emotional state in its flowing contours of the arched back, extended arms, and relaxed abdomen.
• These figures were considered to be struggles against temptation and sin.

Dawn

• A female nude sculpture highlighting artistic prowess by Michelangelo.
• The figure is portrayed in a calm but dynamic pose, facing the viewer.
• Her features, such as her dark and deep-set eyes, create an impression of intense contemplation and thoughtful emotions. A head covering and a band on her chest are in the style of slaves garments.

Dusk

• The sculpture, representing Dusk in an allegorical sculpture of time, is a part of a larger work that includes The Dawn statue.
• It is graceful and expressive and depicts a male figure.
• The figures are detailed with soft outlines.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

• Leonardo da Vinci was a highly talented painter, architect, scientist and mathematician.
• He was influential in the Renaissance period making contributions to art, science which were displayed in his most famous works.
• He gained a globally recognized reputation through his novel and movie "Da Vinci Code".
• He was seen as an ultimate Renaissance man because of his intellect, interests, talent and expression of humanist and classical values.

The Last Supper (late 15th Century)

• A mural painting made by Leonardo da Vinci in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.
• A renowned and iconic work of art.

Mona Lisa (16th Century)

• A half-length portrait of a woman, by the artist Leonardo da Vinci.
• This portrayal is widely regarded as one of the most famous and recognizable paintings of all time.
• It's known as the most sung, visited written about, and parodied artwork in the world.

The Vitruvian Man (1490)

• A pen-and-ink drawing by Leonardo da Vinci.
• It depicts a male figure in two overlapping positions, showing the relationship between human proportions and geometric shapes. The drawing also includes handwritten notes.

The Adoration of the Magi (15th Century)

• A religious art characterized by the portrayal of the biblical Magi presenting gifts to the infant Jesus, by artists during the Renaissance.

Virgin of the Rocks (15th Century)

• A painting done by Leonardo da Vinci. The artwork depicts the Virgin, Child Jesus, and other figures in a rocky landscape.
• There are multiple versions/paintings of the same subject

Raphael Sanzio da Urbino (1483-1520)

• A famous Italian painter and architect, contributing significantly during the High Renaissance.
• His artwork was known for its clear forms, easy compositions, and the successful interpretation of Christian values and beliefs.

The Sistine Madonna (1500-1501)

• A painting which features the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus amidst other figures.
• It showcases a sense of wonder, tranquility and gentle devotion and expresses Mary's gentle nature.

The School of Athens (1509-1511)

• Raphael's fresco in the walls of the Vatican palaces. A famous depiction of ancient Greek philosophers engaging in intellectual activities.

The Transfiguration (1517-1520)

• Raphael's last painting; a depiction of a significant event from the New Testament.
• Jesus is transfigured on a mountain and becomes radiant in glory.

Donatello (c. 1386-1466)

• An early Renaissance sculptor from Florence.
• Known for his shallow relief sculptures and mastery of the classical techniques.
• He developed a fully Renaissance style by studying classical sculpture and utilizing materials like stone, bronze, wood, clay, stucco, and wax.
• He worked using assistants with four being a typical number of assistants.

David (1408-09, 1430's or later)

• Two sculptures of the biblical hero David by Donatello.
• One a clothed figure, while the other is a renowned nude bronze figure. Dates are estimates.

Statue of St. George (15th Century)

• A bronze statue of St. George - the patron saint of the armorers' guild in Florence.
• It was placed in the guild's quarters, at the building known as Orsanmichele.
• It represents the patron saint who was associated with military prowess in the Byzantine era and Crusaders.

Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata (1447-1453)

• Donatello created a bronze equestrian statue of Erasmo da Narni (Gattamelata), a celebrated condottiero (military leader).
• It's located in Padua, Italy, and stands as a significant depiction of a Renaissance figure

Prophet Habakkuk (1423-1425)

• A marble statue of the prophet, commissioned for the Florence Duomo.
• The name "Zuccone" refers to the sculpture's distinguishing, long, angular head shape.

The Feast of Herod (c.1427)

• Donatello's bronze relief panel shows the biblical story of John the Baptist's execution.
• It is located in the Siena Cathedral's baptistry.

Explore the fascinating world of the Renaissance period, focusing on the artistic and intellectual advancements of 1400-1600. Learn about the profound impact of Michelangelo and his masterpieces like the Pieta and David, which capture the human experience with remarkable realism and beauty.