RENAISSANCE: The transitional movement in Europe
between medieval and modern times beginning in the
14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and
marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence
expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and
by the beginnings of modern science
Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Common elements in the Renaissance:
The rediscovery of the art & literature of ancient Greece & Rome
The scientific study of the body and the natural world
The intent to reproduce the forms of nature accurately
An new emphasis on humanism and individualism
RENAISSANCE ART: FOUR BREAKTHROUGHS
IN PAINTING
#1: Perspective
“vanishing point”
Masaccio, “The Tribute Money” (1427)
RENAISSANCE ART: FOUR BREAKTHROUGHS
IN PAINTING
#2: Use of light & shadow
“chiaroscuro”
Masaccio, “St. Peter Healing with his Shadow” (1426)
RENAISSANCE ART: FOUR BREAKTHROUGHS
IN PAINTING
#3: Pyramid configuration
Leonardo da Vinci, “Virgin of the Rocks” (1486)
Leonardo da Vinci, “Mona Lisa” (1506)
RENAISSANCE ART: FOUR BREAKTHROUGHS
IN PAINTING
#4: Oil on stretched canvas
Titian, “Bacchus and Ariadne” (1523)
RENAISSANCE ART: SCULPTURE
Followed Greek examples in:
• nude figures
• “contrapposto” stance
• combination of naturalism &
idealism
Polyclitus, “Doryphoros” (450 BCE)
Donatello, “David” (c. 1440)
Michelangelo, “David” (1504)
Titian, “B
Titian, “B
RENAISSANCE ART: SCULPTURE
The Duomo and Baptistery of Florence
Ghiberti, “Gates of Paradise,” Baptistery doors (1425-1452)
RENAISSANCE ART: SCULPTURE