What was the Renaissance a rebirth of

What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
The Birth of Venus by Botticelli

The Renaissance, which took place from the 14th century to the 19th century, describes rapid economic, political, and social change. Often referred to as a “rebirth” after the Middle Ages, Renaissance artists exemplified the rediscovery of classical literature, art, and culture. But, perhaps more importantly is the sheer amount of brilliant artworks that the Renaissance produced, which continue to shape contemporary art and compositions. Here is a quick look at six representative artworks from the Renaissance, from architecture to oil paintings.

Primavera by Sandro Botticelli

What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Credit: Wikipedia

-Large panel painting by Italian Renaissance painter Botticelli intended for members of the Medici family (Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de Medici)

-The Medici family: a banking family with significant political and economic power in the Renaissance

-Completed in the 1480s in an appeal to Greek and Latin literature

-Lyrical painting celebrating love in springtime, reference to Zephrus, the west wind, carrying the spirit of love

-Venus stands in the center with her son Cupid. Botticelli draws attention to Venus by opening the landscape behind her.

-Elegant and beautiful linear style with depth in perspective and anatomy

David by Michelangelo Buonarroti

What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Credit: Wikipedia

-Created between 1501 and 1504 and originally commissioned by Opera del Duomo

-David is one of the most famous sculptures throughout art history for its embodiment of classical proportions, contrapposto, and the ideal male nude

-Anatomy of the body: rugged torso, sturdy limbs, and large hands

-The statue was intended as a symbol of liberty and justice, signifying David’s protection of Florence

-The young biblical warrior is depicted before the encounter with Goliath, in which he emerges victoriously

-The statue shows vital ingredients of the emotionalism of Hellenistic Greek sculpture and evokes a profound response from the audience

The School of Athens by Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael)

What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Credit: Wikipedia

-Date painted: 1509–1511

-Fresco, Apostolic Palace

-Commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate his library

-Setting: a congregation of the great philosophers and scientists of the ancient world

-Colossal statues of Apollo and Athena in the background, figures symbolizing art and wisdom

-Aristotle and Plato are the central figures; their gestures reflect their philosophies

-Raphael included himself in this gathering, at the extreme right. He is a young man wearing a black hat.

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Credit: Wikipedia

-The world’s most famous portrait created by the idealistic Renaissance Man — Leonardo

-Currently located in the Louvre Museum

-Oil on wood

-Portrays Lisa di Antonio Maria Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo

-Mona Lisa sits quietly, her hands folded, and her mouth forms a gentle smile

-Convincing and realistic representation of a specific individual

-Features atmospheric perspective and chiaroscuro

Palazzo Rucellai constructed by Leon Battista Alberti

What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Credit: Wikipedia

-City residence of the Rucellai family

-Building expresses classical humanist ideals for residence: bottom floor for business; guests on the second floor; the family’s private quarters on the third floor; the hidden fourth floor for servants

-Ruccellai coat-of-arms, a rampant lion, is placed over the windows

-Articulation of the building links to the Colosseum levels and is framed by three distinct columns. Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Sistine Chapel constructed by Giovannino de Dolci and Baccio Pontelli

What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Sistine Chapel Exterior
What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Interior of the Sistine Chapel
What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
Fresco of Adam and God by Michelangelo
What was the Renaissance a rebirth of
The Last Judgment by Michelangelo, depicts the terrifying vision of the fate awaiting sinners

-Built between 1473 and 1481

-Patronage of Pope Julius II,

-Chapel in the Apostolic Palace

-The official residence of the pope

-Perhaps most known for its frescos, which the great Michelangelo painted over 4 years

“When one is painting, one does not think.” (Raphael)

A&E Television Networks. (2018, April 4). Renaissance. History.com. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://www.history.com/topics/renaissance/renaissance.

Gardner, H., & Kleiner, F. S. (2016). Gardner’s Art through the ages: A global history (Fifteenth edition, Student edition. ed.). Cengage Learning.