Renaissance Art Overview

Renaissance Art

• Began in the late 14th century, emphasizing realistic and humanistic themes.
• Key characteristics include accurate anatomy, scientific perspective, deeper landscapes, and naturalistic portraits.
• A period of artistic experimentation.
• St. Peter's Basilica rebuilding was significant.
• Marked the transition from medieval to early modern Europe.
• Renaissance style became prevalent by 1500.

Renaissance Art Techniques

• Used vibrant and vivid colors.
• Focused on human emotions and experiences (Humanism).
• Utilized techniques to create depth and realism in paintings (Perspective).
• Employed strong contrasts of light and dark to create effects and volume (Chiaroscuro).

Linear Perspective

• A significant advancement, allowing artists to create realistic depth and space.

Chiaroscuro

• Used strong contrasts between light and dark to add dimension and volume to paintings.

Famous Renaissance Artists and Works

• Michelangelo (1475-1564):

  • Preeminent Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet.
  • Sculptures: Pieta, David, Moses
  • Frescoes: The Last Judgment, Scenes from Genesis (Sistine Chapel).
  • Art Techniques: Humanism, Chiaroscuro, Linear Perspective

• Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519):

  • Quintessential "Renaissance man" (painting, architecture, science, mathematics).
  • Major Works: Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, Adoration of the Magi, Virgin of the Rocks.
  • Art Technique: Chiaroscuro

• Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino) (1483-1520):

  • High Renaissance painter and architect, known for clarity and composition.
  • Major Works: The Sistine Madonna, The School of Athens, The Transfiguration.

• Donatello (Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi) (1386-1466):

  • Early Renaissance sculptor, known for bas-relief.
  • Major Works: David, Statue of St. George, Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata.
  • Art Techniques: Chiaroscuro, Humanism

Baroque Period

• Origin of "Baroque": Italian word describing an obstacle in schematic logic, or an irregularly shaped pearl.
• Characteristics: Exaggerated motion, clear detail, drama, exuberance, and grandeur. Used chiaroscuro.

Baroque Tendencies

• Counter-Reformation: Expansion of territory and intellect, abandoning Mannerism.
• Consolidation of Absolute Monarchies: Middle class's growing role in art patronage.
• New Interest in Nature/Intellectual Horizons: Scientific and global exploration influence.

Baroque Art Masters

• Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi):

  • Italian artist, deviated from classical masters.
  • Notable work: Conversion of St. Paul (depicting a biblical event).
  • Style: Still life, especially fruit.

• Bernini (Gian Lorenzo):

  • Italian Baroque artist (architecture, sculpture, painting, stage design, playwright).
  • Prodigy: First art by age 8.
  • Notable Work: Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (Cornaro Chapel, Santa Maria della Vitoria, Rome).

• Rubens (Peter Paul):

  • Flemish Baroque painter, known for mythical, figurative subjects, landscapes, portraits, Counter-Reformation altarpieces.
  • Notable Work: The Raising of the Cross (depicting 9 figures raising the cross).

• Rembrandt van Rijn:

  • Dutch painter and etcher.
  • Notable Works: The Raising of the Cross, The Night Watch.

• Velázquez (Diego):

  • Spanish painter, expert in composition.
  • Notable Work: Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor).

Baroque Period in the Philippines

• Western influence in various art forms (painting, dancing, weaving, sculpting, pottery).
• 16th century introduction of Baroque style.
• Style used for churches, often with wide facades between towers.
• Religious propaganda through paintings in churches.

Notable Baroque Churches in the Philippines

• San Agustin Church, Manila: Oldest stone church in the Philippines, completed in 1607; Neoclassical-Baroque.
• Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church, Miag-ao, Iloilo: Built between 1787 and 1797; Baroque-Romanesque style with intricate relief motifs.
• San Agustin Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte: Completed in 1710, known for its "earthquake baroque" style.
• Baclayon Church, Bohol: Founded in 1596, completed in 1727; coral stone.
• Sta. Maria Church, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur: Built in 1765, on a hill with massive buttresses.

Explore the rich history and techniques of Renaissance Art, a period that flourished in Europe from the late 14th century. This quiz covers key characteristics, famous artists, and innovative techniques like linear perspective and chiaroscuro. Test your knowledge on how this movement transformed art and culture.