WHAT IS THE RENAISSANCE?
What's a French word doing describing something that happened basically in Italy? That's right, it was a French writer, historian Jules Michelet, who name the REnaissance - well after the fact. In the 1800s, everyone decided that learning had ended at the fall of the Roman Empire and only began again after the so-called Dark Ages, around 1200. They called the new period the Renaissance, meaning rebirth. (Instant Art History, Robinson)
THE MEDICI FAMILY
Watch a very informative documentary all about the Medicis here!
The most powerful and famous dynasty of bankers who used their incredible wealth to both govern city-states and be patrons of the arts. Founded in Florence. Wealth first started by Giovanni de'Medici. Extra information on just how powerful the Medici Family really is!
CONTEXT
VOCABULARY
What's a French word doing describing something that happened basically in Italy? That's right, it was a French writer, historian Jules Michelet, who name the REnaissance - well after the fact. In the 1800s, everyone decided that learning had ended at the fall of the Roman Empire and only began again after the so-called Dark Ages, around 1200. They called the new period the Renaissance, meaning rebirth. (Instant Art History, Robinson)
THE MEDICI FAMILY
Watch a very informative documentary all about the Medicis here!
The most powerful and famous dynasty of bankers who used their incredible wealth to both govern city-states and be patrons of the arts. Founded in Florence. Wealth first started by Giovanni de'Medici. Extra information on just how powerful the Medici Family really is!
CONTEXT
- Cosimo Medici establishes his Neo-platonic Academy: Cosimo “rules” Rep. of Florence by 1434, then Piero, then Lorenzo - Medici are exiled in 1494 effect on the arts = advancement of humanistic and scientific knowledge
- expanding wealth of the merchant class and guilds: Florence develops into powerful and wealthy republic with a few merchant families controlling politics of city - effect on the arts = merchant and artisan class challenged the entrenched position of nobility
- international trade and banking and continued growth of cities - wealthy patrons support the arts - effect on the arts = unparalleled productivity in the arts
- expansion of national states - discovery by navigating the globe - effect on the arts = new world view - the individual’s relationship with the world - Humanism
- the emergence of the artists’ social position sometimes equal in stature to their patrons - effect on the arts = artist as hero, as divinely inspired, as genius
- intellectual approach to beauty and art, including the rediscovery of linear perspective - effect on the arts = mathematic ration module proportion harmony / balance / symmetry beauty
- Revitalization of classical ideals in literature, history, and philosophy.
- Renaissance courts influenced by humanism (Secular over the religious)
- Humanism is hugely popular and more and more people are attracted to the ideals. It fostered the belief in individual potential
- Rise in realistic, 3D paintings
- Human anatomy: increase in nude sculptures
- Architecture emphasizes light spaces that are balanced and symmetrical.
- Political and economic changes that contributed to the rise of a new class of wealthy patrons (Medici Family) who fostered art and learning on a lavish scale.
VOCABULARY
- Bottega - botteghi (singular, bottega) were originally comprised of familial networks of artists that often worked together—for example, painters Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, who were brothers, or the father-and-son sculptor team of Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.
- chapter house - a building or room that is part of a cathedral, monastery or collegiate church in which meetings are held.
- orthogonal – Any line running back into the represented space of a picture perpendicular to the imagined picture plane.
- Pilaster - A shallow, rectangular decorative feature projecting from a wall. A pilaster usually has a capital and a base, like a flattened column.
- Quattrocento - the totality of cultural and artistic events and movements that occurred in Italy during the 15th century, the major period of the Early Renaissance.
- trompe l'oeil - French term meaning “deceive the eye,” which is used in artistic terms to describe an image where the viewer is tricked into seeing a two-dimensional image as three-dimensional.
- perspective (one and two point) - an orientation in art which helps artists create the illusion of three dimensions. Two-point perspective is labeled as such because it is created using two vanishing points rather than one or three.
- atmospheric perspective - This technique involves painting distant objects with less clarity and a lighter, bluer color, mimicking how we visually experience the world.
- synoptic organization - A method of organizing art works that use visual storytelling in which multiple episodes are depicted as if taking place simultaneously within a single setting.
- modeling - the illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface by use of light and shade.
- chiaroscuro - the transition between light to dark in a Renaissance painting.
- sacra conversazione - This developed as artists replaced earlier hieratic and compartmented triptych or polyptych formats for altarpieces with compositions in which figures interacted within a unified perspectival space.
- pietra serena - a blue-gray sandstone used extensively in Renaissance Florence for architectural details.
- rusticated stone - Roman and Renaissance architecture, a decorative technique in which stone ashlars are finished with rough-textured, projecting outer faces.
- Humanism (starts as a literary movement in that writers concerned themselves with secular issues). In Northern Europe, Humanism "pagan" Humanism is rejected in favor of a blend of religion and classical literature.
- Petrarch: Considered the first "modern" writer, he wrote sonnets in Italian, other works in Latin.
- Isabelle d'Este (1474-1539) was married to Giovanni Gonzaga, she was an outstanding diplomat and patron of learning. She turned Mantua into the center of learning and thought. Also, an important female patron of the arts.
- 1453 Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 - final end of the “Eastern Roman Empire”
- Florence becomes a powerful banking, textile, and trading center for Italy and Europe
- 1494 Savonarola preaches reform and controls the city by 1494 leading to a “Bonfire of the Vanities”
- Roman Catholic church becomes a military and political force prone to abuses of power and wealth
ARTWORK LIST
Gates of Paradise
St. Mark
Holy Trinity
David
Madonna & Child with 2 Angels
Pazzi Chapel
Birth of Venus
Dead Christ
Gates of Paradise
St. Mark
Holy Trinity
David
Madonna & Child with 2 Angels
Pazzi Chapel
Birth of Venus
Dead Christ
|
|
|
|
|
Northern Renaissance Art - Painting + Printmaking (1400-1650)
IDEA: - EFFECT ON THE ARTS:
1. secularization of culture = variety of subject matter in Northern Renaissance painting = “humanization of religious themes”
2. capitalism/banking/urbanization = new patrons for the arts growth of market economies (1400- Dukes of Burgundy were the most powerful rulers in northern Europe - Court of Burgundy=powerful financial and trading center
3. “sanctification of sight” (micro vs. macro) = intense detail and the miniaturist traditions
4. invention of oil painting technique = a. more detail possible because of slow drying time of oil changes the look of painting in 3 ways: b. attention to surface textures and reflected light effects c. intense, saturated color and subtle value gradations possible
5. printmaking develops into an art form = multiple images and wide dissemination of artistic ideas 1456 Gutenberg develops printing press and publishes Bible - cheaper than one oil painting!
6. Protestant Reformation = personalization of religious experience 1517 Martin Luther posts the 95 Theses condemning Church’s practices
Characteristics of Northern Renaissance Painting:
1. Sober realism - grave and sedate as opposed to Italian Renaissance’s tendency to idealize using Classical models
2. Humanization of religious themes - site and time specific without overt religious depictions (Merode Altarpiece) a. eliminating traditional religious iconography - religious figures often without halos b. contemporizing religious events - bible stories taking place in an everyday household c. secondary symbolism - secular scenes filled with religious symbolism
3. Analytical approach to the world - every object and details of each object is treated with equal emphasis a. elaborately detailed interiors - Italian Renaissance fascination with linear perspective is not the obsession b. rich color - due to oil technique c. surface of form dominates over form itself - love of surface textures and detail
4. New interest in portraiture - due to stress on individuality and realism (Giovanni Arnolfini and his Bride) a. intense scrutiny and analysis of individual trait, sometimes unflatteringly honest
5. Expressionist sensibilities - stressing human actions and dramas (Isenheim Altarpiece) a. asking the viewer to personally identify with “human” pain and emotional grief
ARTWORKS
66. Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece)
68. The Arnolfini Portrait, Jan van Eyck
77. Isenheim Altarpiece, Matthias Grünewald
74. Adam and Eve, Albrecht Dürer
79. Allegory of Law and Grace, Lucas Cranach the Elder
83. Hunters in the Snow, Pieter Bruegel the Elder * Garden of Earthly Delights, Hieronymus Bosch
1. secularization of culture = variety of subject matter in Northern Renaissance painting = “humanization of religious themes”
2. capitalism/banking/urbanization = new patrons for the arts growth of market economies (1400- Dukes of Burgundy were the most powerful rulers in northern Europe - Court of Burgundy=powerful financial and trading center
3. “sanctification of sight” (micro vs. macro) = intense detail and the miniaturist traditions
4. invention of oil painting technique = a. more detail possible because of slow drying time of oil changes the look of painting in 3 ways: b. attention to surface textures and reflected light effects c. intense, saturated color and subtle value gradations possible
5. printmaking develops into an art form = multiple images and wide dissemination of artistic ideas 1456 Gutenberg develops printing press and publishes Bible - cheaper than one oil painting!
6. Protestant Reformation = personalization of religious experience 1517 Martin Luther posts the 95 Theses condemning Church’s practices
Characteristics of Northern Renaissance Painting:
1. Sober realism - grave and sedate as opposed to Italian Renaissance’s tendency to idealize using Classical models
2. Humanization of religious themes - site and time specific without overt religious depictions (Merode Altarpiece) a. eliminating traditional religious iconography - religious figures often without halos b. contemporizing religious events - bible stories taking place in an everyday household c. secondary symbolism - secular scenes filled with religious symbolism
3. Analytical approach to the world - every object and details of each object is treated with equal emphasis a. elaborately detailed interiors - Italian Renaissance fascination with linear perspective is not the obsession b. rich color - due to oil technique c. surface of form dominates over form itself - love of surface textures and detail
4. New interest in portraiture - due to stress on individuality and realism (Giovanni Arnolfini and his Bride) a. intense scrutiny and analysis of individual trait, sometimes unflatteringly honest
5. Expressionist sensibilities - stressing human actions and dramas (Isenheim Altarpiece) a. asking the viewer to personally identify with “human” pain and emotional grief
ARTWORKS
66. Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece)
68. The Arnolfini Portrait, Jan van Eyck
77. Isenheim Altarpiece, Matthias Grünewald
74. Adam and Eve, Albrecht Dürer
79. Allegory of Law and Grace, Lucas Cranach the Elder
83. Hunters in the Snow, Pieter Bruegel the Elder * Garden of Earthly Delights, Hieronymus Bosch
Terms and Techniques:
Oil Painting pigment, glazes
Printmaking relief process: woodcuts, wood block prints
intaglio process: etching - acid baths / bite / tar
engraving - incising, burin
Oil Painting pigment, glazes
Printmaking relief process: woodcuts, wood block prints
intaglio process: etching - acid baths / bite / tar
engraving - incising, burin
CAUSES OF THE REFORMATION
Corruption of the Roman Catholic Church during the Renaissance; sale of indulgences, nepotism, sale of church offices, decline of morality among the clergy.
Humanism questioned Church traditions; it contradicted the emphasis on salvation.
Resentment of secular rulers over the power of the popes and the clergy.
HISTORY
The Reformation began in 1517 when a German monk and scholar named Martin Luther nailed a list of his complaints, the Ninety Five Theses, to the doors of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
One of the top discussions was the sale of indulgences (people buying their way into Heaven). Luther wanted reform clarification on spiritual issues.
This led to a split in the Christian faith-
Countries that were converted into Christianity the latest became Protestant: Germany, Scandinavia, & the Netherlands.
Countries that had Christian traditions the longest stayed as Catholic: Spain, Italy, Portugal, & Poland
Luther facilitated the lay public's access to biblical truths by translating the Bible into the vernacular.
Calvinists were the main people that progressed the iconoclastic movement and destroyed paintings and sculptures of holy figures.
Protestants believed that one could connect with God through the act of intervening on the behalf of another (basically intercession).
Protestants believed that faith was deeply personal. Protestant churches were relatively plain, while the Catholic churches were heavily decorated with artworks to facilitate prayer, the act of repentance, and becoming closer to God.
1540's: The Catholic and Counter-Reformations begin.
Ignatius Loyola established the Jesuits, a holy order that was organized in a military fashion. Required absolute faith and obedience. Jesuits swore to suppress Protestantism.
Artists during this time are turning to portraits, like Durer, and printmaking is allowing artists more recognized internationally. Artworks are commodities and gaining huge popularity.
Johann Gutenberg (1400-1468) popularized the printing press. Originally invented in China but Gutenberg was the first to make interchangeable moveable metal type from lead molds.
Corruption of the Roman Catholic Church during the Renaissance; sale of indulgences, nepotism, sale of church offices, decline of morality among the clergy.
Humanism questioned Church traditions; it contradicted the emphasis on salvation.
Resentment of secular rulers over the power of the popes and the clergy.
HISTORY
The Reformation began in 1517 when a German monk and scholar named Martin Luther nailed a list of his complaints, the Ninety Five Theses, to the doors of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
One of the top discussions was the sale of indulgences (people buying their way into Heaven). Luther wanted reform clarification on spiritual issues.
This led to a split in the Christian faith-
Countries that were converted into Christianity the latest became Protestant: Germany, Scandinavia, & the Netherlands.
Countries that had Christian traditions the longest stayed as Catholic: Spain, Italy, Portugal, & Poland
Luther facilitated the lay public's access to biblical truths by translating the Bible into the vernacular.
Calvinists were the main people that progressed the iconoclastic movement and destroyed paintings and sculptures of holy figures.
Protestants believed that one could connect with God through the act of intervening on the behalf of another (basically intercession).
Protestants believed that faith was deeply personal. Protestant churches were relatively plain, while the Catholic churches were heavily decorated with artworks to facilitate prayer, the act of repentance, and becoming closer to God.
1540's: The Catholic and Counter-Reformations begin.
Ignatius Loyola established the Jesuits, a holy order that was organized in a military fashion. Required absolute faith and obedience. Jesuits swore to suppress Protestantism.
Artists during this time are turning to portraits, like Durer, and printmaking is allowing artists more recognized internationally. Artworks are commodities and gaining huge popularity.
Johann Gutenberg (1400-1468) popularized the printing press. Originally invented in China but Gutenberg was the first to make interchangeable moveable metal type from lead molds.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ITALY & NORTHERN EUROPE
Oil Paint
The artists of the North invented oil paint! They use oil paint fifty years or more before it wased in Italy (where they used tempera until then). Think about what oil paint can do that fresco and tempera can not do! Keep this in mind as you look at the Merode Altarpiece. The Renaissance in Northern Europe is very different from the Renaissance in Italy. (SmartHistory)
3 reasons why oil paints are better:
a. Brighter colors
b. More details
c. Preservation is better
Classical Antiquity
The fact that we are far from Italy tells us something about the character of the Northern Renaissance. Remember that in Italy we said that the Renaissance was a rebirth of the art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome? Well, in Northern Europe we're pretty far from the important centers of Ancient Greek and Roman culture, and so the Renaissance in the North is not a rebirth of Ancient Greek and Roman culture the way it was in Florence.
Oil Paint
The artists of the North invented oil paint! They use oil paint fifty years or more before it wased in Italy (where they used tempera until then). Think about what oil paint can do that fresco and tempera can not do! Keep this in mind as you look at the Merode Altarpiece. The Renaissance in Northern Europe is very different from the Renaissance in Italy. (SmartHistory)
3 reasons why oil paints are better:
a. Brighter colors
b. More details
c. Preservation is better
Classical Antiquity
The fact that we are far from Italy tells us something about the character of the Northern Renaissance. Remember that in Italy we said that the Renaissance was a rebirth of the art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome? Well, in Northern Europe we're pretty far from the important centers of Ancient Greek and Roman culture, and so the Renaissance in the North is not a rebirth of Ancient Greek and Roman culture the way it was in Florence.
Assignments:
Add the Artworks listed to your flash cards, research and watch Various Art History Videos listed above, and complete Study Guide. Read Chapter 20 and 21 in Gardener's..
Add the Artworks listed to your flash cards, research and watch Various Art History Videos listed above, and complete Study Guide. Read Chapter 20 and 21 in Gardener's..
This website is based upon work supported by:
Dr. Robert Croad for workshops, resources and time -
Marsha Russell for your generosity in sharing materials and knowledge -
and to Valerie Park for your AP Art History web site that this website is based upon.
Dr. Robert Croad for workshops, resources and time -
Marsha Russell for your generosity in sharing materials and knowledge -
and to Valerie Park for your AP Art History web site that this website is based upon.