Renaissance Art History Notes PDF

Renaissance Notes: Techniques: Linear perspective: A system of creating an illusion of depth on a flat surface. Aerial Perspective: The technique of creating an illusion of depth by depicting distant objects as paler, less detailed, and usually bluer than near objects....

Renaissance Notes: Techniques: Linear perspective: A system of creating an illusion of depth on a flat surface. Aerial Perspective: The technique of creating an illusion of depth by depicting distant objects as paler, less detailed, and usually bluer than near objects. Trompe l’oeil: A technique used in art in which objects are painted their normal size in a very realistic way, to make people think that the objects are solid and rea Fresco Technique: Definition: Mural painting done on freshly laid, or wet lime plaster. Process: 1. Arriccio: Rough layer of plaster applied to a wet masonry wall. 2. Sinopia: Design drawn in charcoal and painted over with red paint. 3. Intonaco: Fine plaster layer applied in sections (one day’s work at a time). 4. Giornata: Each section of the fresco is painted while the intonaco remains damp. Result: Pigment merges with plaster as it dries, becoming embedded in the wall. Renaissance Art: Subject Matter: o Shift from abstract medieval forms to representational forms of the 15th century. o Subjects evolved from biblical scenes to include portraits, Classical religion episodes, and contemporary life events. o Human figures rendered in dynamic poses, showing expression and gesture, and interacting with one another. o Figures suggest mass and often appear in a realistic landscape rather than a flat gold background. Material/Technique: Fresco Lamentation of The Death of Christ: Panel Details: o Part of a cycle of frescoes depicting Christian Redemption by Giotto di Bondone. o Integrated into the interior architecture of the Cappella degli Scrovegni (Arena Chapel), Padua. o Panels depict key events: Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ.  o Scene of mourning: Virgin Mary, Christ's disciples, Mary Magdalene, and other holy women grieve over Christ’s body before entombment. Artistic Features: o Simplified narrative focuses on the most intense moment of the drama. o Faces of sculpted figures are animated and natural. o Angels’ distress is depicted as theatrical and chaotic. o Figures are united by a diagonal line of the hill, showcasing Giotto’s dynamic use of space. o Giotto’s use of light and shade enhances realism, elevating the status of early 14th-century painting to rival architecture. Arena Chapel Overview: Location: Next to an ancient Roman arena. Therefore it is called the Arena Chapel Commissioned by: The Scrovegni Family, specifically Enrico Scrovegni. Decorated by: Giotto di Bondone with frescoes. Architectural and Artistic Features: Interior: Tall, enclosed space covered entirely with frescoes. Decoration: Includes trompe l'oeil faux marble panels and a star-studded blue sky on the ceiling. Organization: o Three Registers: ▪ Top Register: Christ's grandparents, the birth of Mary, and her marriage. ▪ Middle Register: Christ's life and ministry. ▪ Bottom Register: The Passion (events of Christ's death and after). Historical Context: Enrico Scrovegni: Commissioned the chapel as an act of atonement for the sin of usury (charging interest). Sin of Usury: Seen as a grave sin in Catholic belief, leading to a poor afterlife according to Dante’s The Divine Comedy. Significant Features: Last Judgment Scene: Enrico Scrovegni depicted kneeling and presenting the chapel to the three Marys, positioning himself among the blessed. Triumphal Arch: Features God calling Gabriel to announce the birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary.  Use of Panels: Giotto inserted a panel painting for the depiction of God, using a more conservative style compared to the frescoes. Artistic Techniques: Architectural Illusionism: Giotto created realistic architectural spaces for figures, avoiding traditional gold backgrounds. Naturalism: Scenes depict detailed architectural spaces with oil lanterns, showcasing light, shadow, and a realistic sense of space.