The soft gold rings on their heads seem religious, like halos. I know the Renaissance was a time when people questioned the practices of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. They started looking at people and the natural world to see what they could figure out -- without the guidance of clergy. Maybe that's what this lonely man is doing. Maybe he is abandoning that group of religious men for the natural goodness of a cold drink of water. This is obviously troubling to the rest of the group of men -- they don't like seeing him go off on his own like that. It makes them concerned and they look to their leader to call him back into line, perhaps to punish him.

The first thing I notice is the man bending down at the water. He seems to have thrown off part of his robe and left the group for a drink of the cold water. Or perhaps he is washing his hands of something. His entire focus is on his hands and the water and this, combined with the bare, dead trees and barren mountains in the background, conveys a sense of loneliness. Off to the right, the men in the group are obviously concerned with his absence, concerned that he is taking such an interest in the water. They point to him and look to the man on the far right, who seems to be Jesus, for guidance. Their orange, pink, green, and blue robes bring color and light to the painting and to that barren environment.

Italy failed to become united during the Ages.

Many independent city-states emerged in northern and central Italy that played an important role in

Italian politics and art.

MilanMilan VeniceVenice

FlorenceFlorence

Milan

One of the richest cities, it controls trade through the Alps.

Venice

Sitting on the Adriatic, it attracts trade from all over the world.

Florence

Controlled by the De Medici Family, who became great patrons of the arts.

Genoa

Genoa

Had Access to Trade Routes

All of these cities:

Had access to trade routes connecting Europe with Middle Eastern markets

• Served as trading centers for the distribution of goods to northern Europe

• Were initially independent city-states governed as republics

The Renaissance was a time of renewal

Renaissance means rebirth and Europe was recovering from the Dark ages and the

plague.

People had lost their faith in the church and began to put more focus on human beings.

The Renaissance produced new ideas that were reflected in the arts, philosophy, and literature.

Patrons, wealthy from newly expanded trade, sponsored works which glorified city-states in northern Italy. Education became

increasingly secular.

Medieval art and literature focused on the Church and salvation

Renaissance art and literature focused on individuals and worldly matters,

along with Christianity.

1 2

Tell me about these paintings. Can you find similarities and/or differences?

3 4

People Faces Depth Perception Vanishing Point Religion Who’s the artist?

-People

-Depth Perception

- Perspective Vanishing Point

- Religion

- Artist

Medieval art: Religious; very focused on creating symbols of Christian concepts/values; not concerned with realism. Statues were shallow and flat. Bodies might be out of proportion. Art at this time served one very clear purpose:

"Before a worshipper has even entered the church, he would find images of saints

and sinners, of angelic beings and the punishment of the damned. All stood as a reminder of the importance of holding one's thoughts to God.”

Renaissance art: Humanist. Very focused on portraying the world as artists saw it—beginnings of realism in art. Sought realism through advancements in perspective in painting. Not as focused on religion. Often used to show beauty in nature (including human beings). Often depicted everyday life. Used light and shadow.