Renaissance Theatre

1400s to 1500s

During the Renaissance- there was an explosion of information and the arts. Mathematics, the Sciences and the Arts expanded rapidly.

The works of Leonardo di Vinci and his development of linear perspective and painting with linear perspective opened new doors of opportunity to theatre when it came to set design.

Reaphael’s School of Athens- demonsrats furthere development of linear perspective. School of Athebns: 1509

Della Stanza Signatura – The Parnassus and the School of Athens

During the Renaissance, one of the most notable changes in theatre was the development of backgrounds, or Back drops.

Advancements of the fine artists with realism and linear perspective were utilized to create realistic backdrops that had depth perception- This was a revolutionary an idea as 3-D movie are today!

Whatn elaborate decerative treatemtns were not genuine they were painted to look real- this effect is known as Tromp l’oiel

San Nicola da Tolentino - Venice, Italy Dome - trompe l'oeil painting by Gerolamo Mengozzi Colonna

Teatro OlimpicoBehind eh marble fronts, Tromp L’oeil is used to create depth perception of the backdrop. It looks as if the impression the street going away from the audience.

Cut away view of the Teatra Olympico showing the advancements in theatre

design. The design of the theatre allowed more elaborate sets, and a changing of

sets. It is during this time that backgrounds, Backdrops’ we painted on

canvas, so that the background could be changed. This allowed more flexibility or

play because here could be more than one scene. This led to more highly developed

plays..

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