Renaissance Art Techniques and Influences

Tempera Painting

• Created by hand-grinding dry pigments and mixing them with a binding agent, typically egg yolk.
• Sometimes, "myrrh" (a perfume) was added to the mixture.
• Fell out of favor by the late 15th century.

Illuminated Manuscript

• A manuscript where text is enhanced by decorative elements.
• These elements include decorated initials, borders, and miniature illustrations.

The Book of the Dead

• A work from Ancient Egypt.
• Created using egg tempera on papyrus.

Chiaroscuro

• A technique using light and shadow to create a three-dimensional effect on a two-dimensional surface.
• Creates a stage-like setting, giving the illusion of depth.

Renaissance Art Techniques

• Developed linear perspective.
• Used atmospheric perspective to create depth in space.

Early Renaissance

• Giotto is considered the father of Renaissance art.
• Known for sculptures and paintings, including The Mourning of Christ (or Lamentation).
• Other works include The Devil Cast Out of Arezzo and Madonna and Child.

Sandro Botticelli

• An artist who lived from 1445-1510 in Florence, Italy.

The Birth of Venus

• Painted in 1486, showcasing Renaissance ideals of beauty.
• Depicts the goddess of love and beauty.
• Venus emerges from a seashell, blown to land.

Primavera

• Painted in 1482.
• Features 500 plant species and 190 flower species.
• Depicts figures from Greek Mythology (Zephyrus, Chloris, Flora, Venus, etc.).

Leonardo Da Vinci

• Lived from 1452 to 1519 in Florence.
• Was a self-portrait painter at the age of 67.
• Known as a great intellectual, being an artist, sculptor, scientist, inventor, and a student of a famous sculptor, Verrochio.

The Baptism of Christ

• A collaborative painting, created in 1475, by Verrocchio and Da Vinci .

The Vitruvian Man

• A study on human proportion, created in 1487 by Da Vinci.

Anatomical Studies

• Da Vinci's studies contributed to the scientific understanding of the human body.

Further Exploration of Linear Perspective

• Da Vinci further explored linear perspective to create the illusion of space and distance, shown through drawings.

Aerodynamics

• Da Vinci explored designs for flight in his sketches.

Discoveries in Great Invention

• Da Vinci designed inventions for military forces like battleships and others.

The Last Supper

• A painting by Da Vinci, completed in 1498.

Mona Lisa

• Painted in 1503, featuring sfumato and atmospheric perspective techniques.
• Depicts an ideal of feminine beauty.
• Known for a mysterious smile.
• Uses Pyramid design and a calm, contained posture.

Test your knowledge on key techniques and artists of Renaissance art, particularly focusing on egg tempera painting and atmospheric perspective. Explore the dramatic effects and reasons for the evolution of styles during this influential period in art history.