World History: Medieval vs Renaissance Art

Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of Medieval Art?

Figures look active and dynamic

Figures look flat and stiff with little real movement (correct)

Paintings use vibrant colors (correct)

Subjects mostly religious (correct)

What is Humanism in the Renaissance?

Studying of the classics - language, philosophy, government

Which of the following describes Renaissance Art?

Figures are always depicted in active poses

Interest in nature with lots of natural detail (correct)

Mainly focuses on religious themes

Figures look idealized or perfect (correct)

What was the main focus of Italian Renaissance art?

Religion and classical mythology Signup and view all the answers

What was Leonardo da Vinci known as?

Renaissance Man Signup and view all the answers

What is Michelangelo famous for?

Sistine Chapel ceiling painting, David, La Pieta, designing St. Peter's Basilica in Rome Signup and view all the answers

Why was Brunelleschi's Dome famous?

It is the largest dome and does not have a support structure Signup and view all the answers

Where was Northern Renaissance Art mainly focused?

Low Countries Signup and view all the answers

What literary works are associated with the English Renaissance?

Utopia by Thomas More and works by Shakespeare Signup and view all the answers

What is Federalism?

A social and political system based on strict social class and system obligation Signup and view all the answers

Where did Federalism exist?

Japan and Latin America Signup and view all the answers

What system was characterized by social classes and obligation?

Feudalism Signup and view all the answers

The causes of the Renaissance included trade through the ______.

Silk Road Signup and view all the answers

What did Johannes Gutenberg invent?

Gutenberg Printing Press Signup and view all the answers

What did interactions with other countries lead to?

Knowledge of culture and trade goods Signup and view all the answers

How did the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts influence the Renaissance?

Emphasized human improvement and the idea of Humanism emerged Signup and view all the answers

What disease had a significant impact on Europe during the Renaissance?

Bubonic Plague Signup and view all the answers

What innovations came about during the Renaissance?

New forms of art Signup and view all the answers

What route did Marco Polo take?

Silk Road Signup and view all the answers

What was one impact of the Crusades on population and learning?

Introduction of new texts and goods Signup and view all the answers

How did the influence of the Greeks and Romans manifest during the Renaissance?

Scholars rediscovered and shared classical texts Signup and view all the answers

What was Petrarch famous for?

Coining the term 'Dark Ages' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medieval Art Characteristics

Predominantly religious subjects.
Stiff, flat figures lacking significant movement.
Important figures depicted larger than others.
Figures fully clothed in intricately carved garments.
Faces exhibit solemn expressions with minimal emotion.
Utilizes vibrant colors with flat, two-dimensional appearance.
Backgrounds typically a single color, often gold, lacking realistic perspective.

Renaissance - Humanism

Emphasis on studying classical languages, philosophy, and governance.
Expansion of trade facilitated the spread of Renaissance ideas and products.
Led to advancements in banking, cartography, joint-stock companies, and the rise of a middle class.

Renaissance Art

Features both religious and secular themes.
Idealized and "perfect" representation of figures with active, moving bodies.
Realistic portrayals of everyday life.
Expressions on faces reflect genuine thoughts and emotions.
Use of light affects color portrayal, showcasing natural detail.
Symmetry achieved through perspective and balance.

Italian Renaissance

Focused on religious themes and classical mythology.
Mastery of perspective creates a sense of depth.
Figures appear three-dimensional, reflecting an understanding of anatomy.
Primarily represents wealthy families.
Commonly uses fresco, tempera, and oil paints.

Leonardo da Vinci

Renowned as a quintessential Renaissance Man, exemplifying a polymath.

Michelangelo

Famous works include the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the statue of David, La Pieta, and the design of St. Peter's Basilica.

Brunelleschi's Dome

Notable for being the largest dome in the world without a support structure.

Northern Renaissance Art

Concentrated mainly in the Low Countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) and England.
Focus on everyday life and nature rather than grand historical scenes.
Emphasizes lighter, earthy colors and depictions of common people (peasants).
Utilizes oil paint on panels, with a stronger focus on theatrical arts and literature.

English Renaissance

Significant works include Thomas More's "Utopia" and the plays of Shakespeare performed at the Globe Theater.

Federalism

A social and political system characterized by strict social classes and obligations.
Emerges in regions with weak central governments.

Locations of Federalism

Existed in Medieval Europe, Hindu India, Japan, and Latin America.

Feudalism System

Social structure encompassing the Roman Catholic Church, kings, lords, knights, and serfs.
Economic basis linking land ownership to wealth and power.

Causes of the Renaissance

Trade links established via the Silk Road.
Rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts.
Impact of the Bubonic Plague.
Innovations in various fields.

Johannes Gutenberg

Inventor of the movable type printing press, notably printing the Bible first.

Interactions with Other Countries

Silk Road facilitated trade exchanges and cultural learning.
Crusades resulted in military conflicts and cultural exchanges, increasing demand for products.

Rediscovery of Classical Texts

Ancient writings advocated for self-improvement, contributing to the rise of Humanism.
Focus on physical and intellectual pursuits mirrored in Olympic ideals and philosophy.

Bubonic Plague

Epidemic caused the deaths of 75-200 million people across Europe and Asia, instigating doubts about Catholic authority.

Innovations

The period saw new artistic forms emerging in sculpture and painting.
The printing press revolutionized information dissemination and literature access.

Silk Road

Trade route followed by Marco Polo, connecting China to Europe.

Crusades Impact

A series of conflicts led by the Catholic Church resulted in a significant population drop (approximately 10% of Europe).
Revival of ancient texts and goods brought back to Europe.
Religious intolerance culminated in the 1492 expulsion of Muslims and Jews from the Iberian Peninsula.

Influence of Greek and Romans

Italian scholars rediscovered and shared ancient texts through trade.
Key figures include Petrarch, supported by wealthy patrons, notably the Medici family from Florence.
Art became more accessible to the illiterate, depicting relatable, everyday imagery.

Petrarch's Contributions

Coined the term "Dark Ages" referring to the perceived ignorance of the Middle Ages, contrasting it with the enlightenment of the Renaissance.

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Description

Explore the key characteristics of medieval art versus renaissance art through this engaging flashcard quiz. Learn about the differences in subject matter, style, and emotional expression that define these two pivotal periods in art history.