Beginning in the 14th century, European civilization began to return to their cultural heritage, reviving the ideals and art style of classical antiquity (Greco-Roman civilization; 8th century B.C.E. – 5th century C.E.). The movement began in Italy, with the recovery of Roman and Greek art and literature; the ancient works inspired realistic, white marble sculptures, narratives full of dynamic movement and action, and the acceptable inclusion of pagan mythology in art. However, it has been argued that while Italy was the epicenter of the Renaissance, it really began with Frederick II (early-mid 13th century), who was a patron of the arts and sciences, promoted literature, and was said by some to rule with rationality and tolerance. The Renaissance (Italian for rebirth; coined in the mid-19 th century by historians) was greatly influenced by technological advances and not only affected art, but also politics, religion, philosophy, and science. The printing press, linear perspective, scientific method, gunpowder, musket, Ptolemaic system of astrology, and mariner’s compass were invented during this time period, expanding both the world and people’s understanding of it.
Several differences separate the Renaissance from the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, people focused on icons and teaching lessons through visual narration. Medieval art revolved around religion, as does most of Renaissance art, but sought to familiarize its viewers with Christian stories and values without utilizing words (i.e. “The Flight into Egypt”, St. Lazare Cathedral). The main characters in these narratives were also depicted in distinguishable ways, making the stories easy to follow and understand. Due to Medieval art’s overall simplicity, it has been believed that people of this era were less intelligent, but this is not true. These two sections of time had different priorities, which drastically affected their art styles. Literacy rates increased during the Renaissance because of the increased accessibility of books, encouraging more complex stories and symbolism (i.e. “The Birth of Venus”). The Renaissance focused instead on individualism, later referred to as humanism, and dramatic realism. Humanism (which also originated in Italy) fixated on aspects of human nature, syncretism, the dignity of man, and the human spirit. Additionally, Renaissance art featured realistic images and artists began creating based on the combination of observation and mathematics. People also developed a heightened interest in nature, dynamic postures were used in images, and Greco- Roman mythology was reintroduced for both dramatic and symbolic purposes. The High Renaissance began in the late 15 th century and is described by some historians as the perfection of Classical art. Leonardo de Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael worked during this time, creating masterpieces like “the Sistine Chapel”, “Pieta”, “David”, and “the Mona Lisa”. The Renaissance ended with the development of Mannerism, the deteriorating relationship between the church and government, and the fall of Rome in the mid-16 th century.
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AuthorKristen Puckett Archives
August 2018
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