Aim: How did the goals and characteristics of Renaissance art differ from those of

Medieval art? Do Now: Based on our discussion of Machiavelli

from Friday, why are his ideas about politics a product of the Renaissance?

Niccoló Machiavelli (1469-1527)

• Why is Machiavelli a product of the Renaissance?

1. Believed that human behavior and human nature were worth studying and understanding (very humanist)

2. Rulers should do what they have to (“the end justifies the means”) in order to control their subjects and create a stable society, even ignoring moral considerations (a more secular, less religious view).

Giotto: Madonna and Child (ca 1300)

Goals of Medieval Art

Characteristics: -Paintings are rare - Emphasis on religious images (man is seen as small, insignificant; earthly settings are rarely seen because Earth and humans are unimportant) - Flat (lacked depth, background)- Dull Colors- Unrealistic (realism degrades the holiness of the subjects) - Disproportionate (religious figures depicted the largest)- Rigid, with no appearance of movement

Goals of Medieval Art

Botticelli: Birth of Venus (1486)

Goals of Renaissance Art

Characteristics:

- Religious and Classical Themes (influence of humanism)- Use of perspective (illusion of depth, three dimensions)- Very Realistic → Attention to shadows, light sources, accurate human anatomy - Celebration of the human body (very humanist!)- Elaborate backgrounds- Vibrant colors and vivid details - Objects are in proportion - Appearance of movement

Goals of Renaissance Art

Transitional Painters • Giotto (1266-1337): The

Baptism of Christ (1305)

Medieval: Emphasis on halos and angels (unrealistic), religious themes and symbolism, stiff characters.

Renaissance: Some shadowing, greater proportion, some attempts to create a light source, we know the name of the artist!

Transitional Painters• Fra Angelico (1395-1455): Madonna

and Child with Angels (1425-1430)

Medieval: Focus on Jesus, heavy religious symbolism, stiff characters

Renaissance: Use of perspective to achieve a religious message (Jesus in the foreground).

High Renaissance Painters and Sculptors

Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)

– True Renaissance Man

– Scientist, inventor, engineer and artist

– Dissected corpses, created detailed drawings of the human anatomy, developed early airplane models

Leonardo Da Vinci: The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne (1508)

Leonardo Da Vinci: The Last Supper (1495-1498)

High Renaissance Painters and Sculptors

Michelangelo (1475-1564)

– Famous Paintings: The Sistine Ceiling and The Last Judgment

– Famous Sculptures: David, Moses, Pieta

– Incredible energy and endurance

Michelangelo: Creation of Adam (Sistine Ceiling)

Michelangelo: Sculptures

David Moses

Michelangelo: Pieta