Renaissance Art

Renaissance Art CharacteristicsProportional, realistic, life-like

Perspective, shadowing and depth

Individual identities, emotional

Bright colors, oil paints

Free-standing statues

Religious subjects, daily life, mythology

Miedeval Art vs. Renaissance

Madonna Enthroned by Giotto1267-1336Two angels kneel in the foregroundAngels in choir are placed one in front of the other to create a sense of expanding spaceFigure is heavier, breasts apparentDrawing simplifiedChild in more natural positionRobe modeled in light and shadow that shows that there is a body underneath the robe

Madonna and Child, Fra Filippo Lippi 1406-1469Emotion of face -she looks like a real mother - tired, worn down

Adoration of the MagiSandro BotticelliWhole Medici family in pictureCosmo de Medici at Christ’s feetLorenzo de Medici at far leftBotticelli on far right looking at viewers

Andrea MantegnaDead Christ, 1501Tempra on CanvasForeshortening - slightly modified, feet smaller than would if photographsHarsh sharp lines

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Raphael

Plato and Aristotle on either side of center axisPlato points skyward to indicate his idealistic worldviewAristotle gestures to ground to to show his concern with the real worldMetaphysical philosophers on Plato’s sidePhysical scientists on Aristotle’s sideRaphael on extreme rightFigures grouped and placed on purpose

Leonardo da Vinci

The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci 1495-9729’ 10” x 13’ 9”“I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me”Each showing emotionJudas only one not involved in discussionsHuddle at table with hand on money bagAll lines merge to Jesus’ headCurved pediment above his head served as a haloFormally and emotionally, his most impressive work

Madonna of the Rocks, Leonardo da Vinci 14856’3” x 3’7”Forms emerge from darknessSpiritual illumination from facesPyramid shapeMary hand forms a halo over headChrist’s hand raised in blessingPlants and geological features very accurate

Michalangelo

MichelangeloTormented, intractable, jealous of Raphael, dislike Leonardo, had continuous difficulties with patrons.“inspired genious”

Pieta, Michelangelo, 1498-99Mary cradling the dead body of ChristBeautiful faithful maryPolish and luminosity of marble cannot be capture by camera.

The moment that David sees Goliath on the Horizon