Art of the RenaissanceArt of the Renaissance

Stuff you need to know!Stuff you need to know!

GiottoGiotto He was born about 1266 in the village of Vespignano, near Florence. He was born about 1266 in the village of Vespignano, near Florence.

His father was a small landed farmer. It is thought that His father was a small landed farmer. It is thought that CimabueCimabue,, a a well-known Florentine painter, discovered Giotto's talents. Cimabue well-known Florentine painter, discovered Giotto's talents. Cimabue supposedly saw the 12-year-old boy sketching one of his father's supposedly saw the 12-year-old boy sketching one of his father's sheep on a flat rock and was so impressed with his talent that he sheep on a flat rock and was so impressed with his talent that he persuaded the father to let Giotto become his pupil. persuaded the father to let Giotto become his pupil.

It is thought that he first participated in the decoration of the Upper It is thought that he first participated in the decoration of the Upper Church at Assisi. Scenes from the Church at Assisi. Scenes from the Life of Christ, Legend of St. Francis,Life of Christ, Legend of St. Francis, and and Isaac and EsauIsaac and Esau have all been credited to Giotto (and questioned). have all been credited to Giotto (and questioned). About 1300 he was in Rome, where he executed the mosaic of the About 1300 he was in Rome, where he executed the mosaic of the NavicellaNavicella now in St. Peter's. He also worked on frescoes in the Lateran now in St. Peter's. He also worked on frescoes in the Lateran Basilica, which have been lost. Basilica, which have been lost.

About 1304 he began to design the series of 38 frescoes in the About 1304 he began to design the series of 38 frescoes in the Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel in Padua. These frescoes are among the Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel in Padua. These frescoes are among the greatest works of Italian art. Returning to Florence, he decorated two greatest works of Italian art. Returning to Florence, he decorated two chapels in the Church of Santa Croce.chapels in the Church of Santa Croce.

Upon the death of Arnolfo di Cambio Giotto became chief architect of Upon the death of Arnolfo di Cambio Giotto became chief architect of the cathedral in Florence. During his last years he designed the the cathedral in Florence. During his last years he designed the campanile next to the cathedral, known as “Giotto's Tower.” campanile next to the cathedral, known as “Giotto's Tower.”

GiottoGiotto

Madonna and ChildMadonna and Childc. 1320c. 1320Tempera on panelTempera on panel33 5/8 x 24 3/8 in (85.5 33 5/8 x 24 3/8 in (85.5 x 62 cm)x 62 cm)National Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Art, WashingtonWashington

Da VinciDa Vinci

Da Vinci was born April 15, 1452, and died May 2, 1519. Da Vinci was born April 15, 1452, and died May 2, 1519. He would wear pink to make his complexion look fresher. He would wear pink to make his complexion look fresher. Leonardo never attended public school. He was raised by Leonardo never attended public school. He was raised by his single father. When Leonardo was fifteen he joined the his single father. When Leonardo was fifteen he joined the studio of Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. Leonardo had studio of Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. Leonardo had no interest in women; he spent most of his time painting. no interest in women; he spent most of his time painting. Five years later he became a member of the guild of St. Five years later he became a member of the guild of St. Luke, a painters' guild in Florence. Four years later he Luke, a painters' guild in Florence. Four years later he worked as an independent artist at his own studio in worked as an independent artist at his own studio in Florence. Florence.

Da Vinci studied philosophy, natural history, anatomy, Da Vinci studied philosophy, natural history, anatomy, biology, medicine, optics, acoustics, science, mathematics biology, medicine, optics, acoustics, science, mathematics and hydraulics.and hydraulics.

The Mona LisaThe Mona Lisa 1503-15061503-1506

Oil on woodOil on wood77 x 53 cm (30 x 20 7/8 77 x 53 cm (30 x 20 7/8 in.)in.)Louvre, ParisLouvre, Paris

The Mona Lisa took The Mona Lisa took Leonardo six years to Leonardo six years to complete. After he was complete. After he was done the painting the King done the painting the King of France bought it. of France bought it. Leonardo did not want to Leonardo did not want to part with the portrait, so part with the portrait, so the King of France let him the King of France let him keep it in his studio until he keep it in his studio until he died. died.

The Last SupperThe Last Supper Leonardo Leonardo dada Vinci Vinci

(after cleaning)(after cleaning)14981498Tempera on plasterTempera on plaster460 x 880 cm (15 x 29 ft.)460 x 880 cm (15 x 29 ft.)Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Refectory), Milan Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Refectory), Milan

RaphaelRaphael Raphael was born on April 6, 1483, as Raffaello Sanzio. Raphael was born on April 6, 1483, as Raffaello Sanzio.

He was born in Urbino. Raphael was said to be unusually He was born in Urbino. Raphael was said to be unusually handsome, pensive and fair. Raphael had born talent and handsome, pensive and fair. Raphael had born talent and received early training in art from his father, Giovanni Santi. received early training in art from his father, Giovanni Santi. He also learned new techniques from Leonardo da Vinci He also learned new techniques from Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Beauty and serenity were his great and Michelangelo. Beauty and serenity were his great emotional themes. emotional themes.

Raphael had great interest in portraiture and he was a Raphael had great interest in portraiture and he was a classical perfectionist. He painted pictures using oil on classical perfectionist. He painted pictures using oil on wood. Raphael learned the play of light and shade, wood. Raphael learned the play of light and shade, anatomy and dramatic action. Raphael executed a number anatomy and dramatic action. Raphael executed a number of easel paintings. In 1514 Raphael was made chief of easel paintings. In 1514 Raphael was made chief architect of Saint Peter's Basilica. A year later he was architect of Saint Peter's Basilica. A year later he was appointed director of all excavations of antiquities in and appointed director of all excavations of antiquities in and near Rome.near Rome.

Raphael died on his thirty-seventh birthday, April 6, 1520, Raphael died on his thirty-seventh birthday, April 6, 1520, and was buried in the Pantheon amidst universal mourning and was buried in the Pantheon amidst universal mourning and acclaim.and acclaim.

School of AthensSchool of Athens

RaphaelRaphaelThe School of AthensThe School of Athens1510-111510-11FrescoFrescoVatican, Stanza della Vatican, Stanza della Segnatura, Rome Segnatura, Rome

MichaelangeloMichaelangelo Michelangelo was born on March 6, 1469, in a town near Florence. His Michelangelo was born on March 6, 1469, in a town near Florence. His

mother died by the time Michelangelo was six years old, leaving him to mother died by the time Michelangelo was six years old, leaving him to live with his father, a nobleman. He began to show interest in art and live with his father, a nobleman. He began to show interest in art and drawing by the age of ten, and became an apprentice by age 12. When drawing by the age of ten, and became an apprentice by age 12. When Michelangelo was 13 he was set to be an artist. He became a pupil of Michelangelo was 13 he was set to be an artist. He became a pupil of the great sculptor, Donatello. the great sculptor, Donatello.

As he grew older, Michelangelo became interested in the male nude. As he grew older, Michelangelo became interested in the male nude. Most of his paintings included pictures of nude males, though Most of his paintings included pictures of nude males, though sometimes just in the background. sometimes just in the background.

Michelangelo lived to the age of 89, and died in 1564. Michelangelo lived to the age of 89, and died in 1564. His greatest glory, painting the Sistine Chapel, began in 1508, and was His greatest glory, painting the Sistine Chapel, began in 1508, and was

completed in 1512. In the beginning, Michelangelo was to paint twelve completed in 1512. In the beginning, Michelangelo was to paint twelve pictures of the apostles around the outside of the ceiling. Instead of pictures of the apostles around the outside of the ceiling. Instead of doing so, Michelangelo made another suggestion. He used the central doing so, Michelangelo made another suggestion. He used the central area of the ceiling to paint the history of the Old Testament. It included area of the ceiling to paint the history of the Old Testament. It included over 300 figures. over 300 figures.

The PietaThe Pieta

Sculpted by Sculpted by MichaleangeloMichaleangelo

c. 1498-99c. 1498-99MarbleMarble174 x 195 cm (5 3/4 x 174 x 195 cm (5 3/4 x 6 ft)6 ft)Basilica of St Peter, Basilica of St Peter, Vatican Vatican

DavidDavid

Sculpted by Sculpted by MichaelangeloMichaelangelo

c. 1501-1504c. 1501-1504MarbleMarbleHeight 410 cm (13 1/2 Height 410 cm (13 1/2 ft)ft)Accademia delle Belle Accademia delle Belle Arti, Florence Arti, Florence

BotticelliBotticelli Botticelli was born in Florence, Italy, in 1445. He spent his whole life in Botticelli was born in Florence, Italy, in 1445. He spent his whole life in

Florence except for a visit to Rome. Botticelli was a member of the Medici Florence except for a visit to Rome. Botticelli was a member of the Medici family. His real name was Alessandro Filipepi. He was nicknamed family. His real name was Alessandro Filipepi. He was nicknamed Botticelli when he went to live with his brother. There he worked as a Botticelli when he went to live with his brother. There he worked as a goldsmith. People say that he had deep-set eyes, flowing locks and a goldsmith. People say that he had deep-set eyes, flowing locks and a salient nose (easily seen or noticed). It was also said that he was a salient nose (easily seen or noticed). It was also said that he was a jokester or a prankster. jokester or a prankster.

When Botticelli was 14 or 15 he was sent to the great painter, Fra Filippo. When Botticelli was 14 or 15 he was sent to the great painter, Fra Filippo. There he learned how to mix colors and clean brushes. Botticelli was There he learned how to mix colors and clean brushes. Botticelli was greatly influenced by his teacher. greatly influenced by his teacher.

By 1465, Botticelli had his own studio. After the age of 56 no paintings By 1465, Botticelli had his own studio. After the age of 56 no paintings were found that were painted by him. Botticelli died alone and infirm. He were found that were painted by him. Botticelli died alone and infirm. He lived to be about 65 and died around 1510.lived to be about 65 and died around 1510.

Realism was ignored in Botticelli's paintings. He loved to allergorize (has an Realism was ignored in Botticelli's paintings. He loved to allergorize (has an underlying meaning). He favored the nude. Botticelli used delicate color and underlying meaning). He favored the nude. Botticelli used delicate color and poetic lines. Botticelli used strong, rhythmic and graceful lines, too!poetic lines. Botticelli used strong, rhythmic and graceful lines, too!

Adoration of Adoration of the the MagiMagi

Painted Painted by Sandro by Sandro BotticelliBotticelli

Tempera on Tempera on panelpanel111 x 134 111 x 134 cmcmUffizi, Uffizi, Florence Florence

DonatelloDonatello Donatello was a great Italian sculptor, who was born in Florence, Donatello was a great Italian sculptor, who was born in Florence,

Italy, in 1386, and died at the age of 80 in 1466. He did not marry Italy, in 1386, and died at the age of 80 in 1466. He did not marry and had no children. He started practicing at the age of 20 and and had no children. He started practicing at the age of 20 and worked in Lorenzo Ghiberti's shop. Later in his life he studied worked in Lorenzo Ghiberti's shop. Later in his life he studied Roman ruins and became a humanist. Donatello also had a shop Roman ruins and became a humanist. Donatello also had a shop in Florence where he created many of his masterpieces. The city in Florence where he created many of his masterpieces. The city of Florence paid for his sculpture of David. Patrons found him of Florence paid for his sculpture of David. Patrons found him very hard to deal with and to work with. He was not a cultured very hard to deal with and to work with. He was not a cultured intellect like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Donatello was intellect like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Donatello was essentially a realist. essentially a realist.

He invented the shallow relief technique. In the shallow relief He invented the shallow relief technique. In the shallow relief technique the sculpture seems deep but is actually done on a technique the sculpture seems deep but is actually done on a very shallow plane. very shallow plane.

Donatello characterized his figures as individuals. He also made Donatello characterized his figures as individuals. He also made the first bronze sculpture.the first bronze sculpture.

Donatello’s Bronze DavidDonatello’s Bronze DavidDavid David was the first nude statue of the Renaissancewas the first nude statue of the Renaissance

GhibertiGhiberti

Ghiberti was born in Florence, Italy, in 1378, Ghiberti was born in Florence, Italy, in 1378, and died in 1455 on December 1. He was and died in 1455 on December 1. He was named Lorenzo Ghiberti. His dad was a named Lorenzo Ghiberti. His dad was a goldsmith who worked with metal, and could goldsmith who worked with metal, and could help Ghiberti do his best. Also, one time help Ghiberti do his best. Also, one time Ghiberti worked with Michelangelo on the Ghiberti worked with Michelangelo on the second pair of Bronze Doors. second pair of Bronze Doors.

LORENZO GHIBERTI LORENZO GHIBERTI East Doors, Baptistery, East Doors, Baptistery,

FlorenceFlorence At the age of 25, Ghiberti At the age of 25, Ghiberti

started his first work of art, started his first work of art, which was the set of Bronze which was the set of Bronze Doors. He started them in 1403 Doors. He started them in 1403 and completed them in 1424. and completed them in 1424. The Bronze Doors had 28 The Bronze Doors had 28 panels; 23 showed the life of panels; 23 showed the life of Christ. The first set took him 21 Christ. The first set took him 21 years to finish. After his first set years to finish. After his first set (which won a contest ) he (which won a contest ) he started on the second pair. "The started on the second pair. "The Gates Of Paradise" were the Gates Of Paradise" were the second set, because they were second set, because they were so beautiful. so beautiful.

DurerDurer

Albrecht Durer was born in 1471 and died in 1528. He Albrecht Durer was born in 1471 and died in 1528. He was 57 years old. Albrecht was born in Nuremburg, was 57 years old. Albrecht was born in Nuremburg, Germany. Albrecht's father was a goldsmith. The Germany. Albrecht's father was a goldsmith. The German painter (Durer) was under great tension. He German painter (Durer) was under great tension. He had a nervous breakdown in 1519. Albrecht spent had a nervous breakdown in 1519. Albrecht spent years in northern Italy. He experimented with new years in northern Italy. He experimented with new technology. He became a Protestant. He did 200 technology. He became a Protestant. He did 200 woodcuts and 100 line engravings. Albrecht was a woodcuts and 100 line engravings. Albrecht was a designer and studied anatomy, mathematics, designer and studied anatomy, mathematics, proportions, perspective and he completed a manual proportions, perspective and he completed a manual of geometry. He also designed the first flying machine. of geometry. He also designed the first flying machine. Durer was a graphic artist and made religious themes Durer was a graphic artist and made religious themes and altar pieces. He was one of the first to use tempera and altar pieces. He was one of the first to use tempera and oil glazes.and oil glazes.

AlbrechtAlbrecht Durer Durer

Study of Praying Study of Praying HandsHands15081508Brush and ink Brush and ink heightened with white heightened with white on blue tinted paperon blue tinted paper29 x 20 cm29 x 20 cmGraphische Sammlung Graphische Sammlung Albertina, Vienna Albertina, Vienna

Hans HolbeinHans Holbein Born in Augsburg, Bavaria, Hans received his first lessons in art from Born in Augsburg, Bavaria, Hans received his first lessons in art from

his father. In 1515 the younger Holbein went to Basel, Switzerland, his father. In 1515 the younger Holbein went to Basel, Switzerland, with his brother, Ambrosius. Among the many scholars living in Basel with his brother, Ambrosius. Among the many scholars living in Basel at that time was the famous Dutch humanist Erasmus, who befriended at that time was the famous Dutch humanist Erasmus, who befriended the young artist and asked him to illustrate his satire, the young artist and asked him to illustrate his satire, Encomium Encomium MoriaeMoriae (The Praise of Folly). Holbein also illustrated other books, (The Praise of Folly). Holbein also illustrated other books, including Martin Luther's German translation of the Bible. In addition he including Martin Luther's German translation of the Bible. In addition he painted pictures and portraits and, like his father, designed stained-painted pictures and portraits and, like his father, designed stained-glass windows. He also created designs for a series of 41 woodcuts glass windows. He also created designs for a series of 41 woodcuts called called The Dance of DeathThe Dance of Death. .

In 1526 Holbein, carrying a letter of introduction from Erasmus to the In 1526 Holbein, carrying a letter of introduction from Erasmus to the English statesman and author Sir Thomas More, set out for London. In English statesman and author Sir Thomas More, set out for London. In England, where he became court painter to Henry VIII, Holbein was England, where he became court painter to Henry VIII, Holbein was known chiefly as a painter of portraits. His services were much in known chiefly as a painter of portraits. His services were much in demand. The more than 100 miniature and full-size portraits he demand. The more than 100 miniature and full-size portraits he completed at Henry's court provide a remarkable document of that completed at Henry's court provide a remarkable document of that colorful period In 1543 Holbein was in London working on another colorful period In 1543 Holbein was in London working on another portrait of the king when he died, a victim of the plague. portrait of the king when he died, a victim of the plague.

HansHans Holbein,Holbein,

Henry VIIIHenry VIIIc. 1536c. 1536OakOak27.5 x 17.5 cm27.5 x 17.5 cmThyssen-Bornemisza Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, MadridCollection, Madrid