RENNAISSANCRENNAISSANCEE

15th century to 17th century 15th century to 17th century A.D. characterized by A.D. characterized by

humanism, three-dimensionality, humanism, three-dimensionality, return to ancient culture and return to ancient culture and

Christian ideasChristian ideas

Short versionShort version

Remember the beauty of the Greek Remember the beauty of the Greek and Roman sculptureand Roman sculpture

I remember, I saw them close I remember, I saw them close in Italy.in Italy.

The world went from the expression of idealized The world went from the expression of idealized beauty of Greek sculpture and the realism of Roman beauty of Greek sculpture and the realism of Roman sculpture to the symbolic and decorative (?) art of sculpture to the symbolic and decorative (?) art of

the Middle Agesthe Middle Ages..

WhatWhat is the Renaissance? is the Renaissance?THE ”REBIRTH” OF CIVILIZATION AFTER THE ”REBIRTH” OF CIVILIZATION AFTER

1000 YEARS OF THE MIDDLE AGES ALSO 1000 YEARS OF THE MIDDLE AGES ALSO REFERED TO AS THE DARK AGES.REFERED TO AS THE DARK AGES.

The The Renaissance Renaissance refers to this rebirth of refers to this rebirth of classical learning and knowledge and to the classical learning and knowledge and to the ensuing rebirth of European culture. ensuing rebirth of European culture.

WHYWHY Did It Happen? Did It Happen? The The Black Plague theoryBlack Plague theory for the rise of the for the rise of the

RenaissanceRenaissance

In the 14th Century, it is estimated that up to In the 14th Century, it is estimated that up to one-third or one-third or more of the population of Europe died more of the population of Europe died of the plague. of the plague.

• The plague was indiscriminate; The plague was indiscriminate; it affected kings and it affected kings and serfs, priests and peasants, the pious and the sinful. serfs, priests and peasants, the pious and the sinful.

• Fervent Christian beliefs did provided protection from Fervent Christian beliefs did provided protection from it.it.

• This led people to think more about life rather than the This led people to think more about life rather than the afterlifeafterlife. During the Middle (Dark) Ages the people of . During the Middle (Dark) Ages the people of Europe believed their time on earth was to prove there Europe believed their time on earth was to prove there worth for entering heaven. Their emphasis was more worth for entering heaven. Their emphasis was more on the hereafter than the here and now.on the hereafter than the here and now.

• This led to a growth of learning about the world around them.This led to a growth of learning about the world around them.

• Which created the intellectual climate for the emergence of Which created the intellectual climate for the emergence of Humanism- Humanism- the interest in man and his relationship with the the interest in man and his relationship with the world around him.world around him.

• Humanists Humanists recreated classical styles in art, literature, recreated classical styles in art, literature, and architecture. Humanists believed that by and architecture. Humanists believed that by studying the classics, they could understand people studying the classics, they could understand people and the world better.and the world better.

• The humanists emphasized the importance of human The humanists emphasized the importance of human values instead of religious beliefs. Renaissance values instead of religious beliefs. Renaissance humanists were often devout Christians, but their humanists were often devout Christians, but their promotion of secular, or non-religious, values often promotion of secular, or non-religious, values often put them at odds with the church. put them at odds with the church.

The rediscovering of Ancient KnowledgeThe rediscovering of Ancient Knowledge• As the knowledge of Greek declined during the As the knowledge of Greek declined during the

transition to the Middle Ages, the Latin West found transition to the Middle Ages, the Latin West found itself cut off from its Greek philosophical and itself cut off from its Greek philosophical and scientific texts roots.scientific texts roots.

• After the plague there was a shortage of manpower After the plague there was a shortage of manpower and goods …. so they had to trade with the larger and goods …. so they had to trade with the larger worldworld

• While trading with the east While trading with the east they (mostly Italians) they (mostly Italians) rediscovered that the Arab and Jewish scholars had rediscovered that the Arab and Jewish scholars had preserved and translated the writings of the ancient preserved and translated the writings of the ancient Greeks (into Arabic with commentaries) in their Greeks (into Arabic with commentaries) in their libraries. libraries. (such as Aristotle, Plato and Socrates) This (such as Aristotle, Plato and Socrates) This rediscovered knowledge created the intellectual climate for rediscovered knowledge created the intellectual climate for the emergence of Humanism- the interest in man and his the emergence of Humanism- the interest in man and his relationship with the world around him. relationship with the world around him.

• The The invention of the printing pressinvention of the printing press by Gutenberg by Gutenberg (1450s) spread the new knowledge to the common (1450s) spread the new knowledge to the common manman

• New Inventions- New Inventions- invention of more invention of more sophisticated and practical scientific and sophisticated and practical scientific and nautical instruments. nautical instruments.

• Also ancient sculptures were also Also ancient sculptures were also rediscovered ..some in caves, some discovered by rediscovered ..some in caves, some discovered by Italians excavating ancient statues in their Italians excavating ancient statues in their local towns local towns many of them damagedmany of them damaged

WhatWhat else was going on at this else was going on at this timetime

• About 1450, About 1450, Age of Exploration- Age of Exploration- explorers explorers like: Bartholomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, like: Bartholomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus-this was the Christopher Columbus-this was the beginning of the Age of Exploration.- beginning of the Age of Exploration.- search of knowledge search of knowledge

• As well as wars, the inquisition and lots of As well as wars, the inquisition and lots of infighting between countries and the city infighting between countries and the city states in Italy.states in Italy.

• Northern Italy was divided into a Northern Italy was divided into a number of warring city-states, the number of warring city-states, the most powerful being Milan, Florence, most powerful being Milan, Florence, Pisa, Siena, Genoa, Ferrara, and Pisa, Siena, Genoa, Ferrara, and Venice. Venice.

• Northern Italy was further divided by Northern Italy was further divided by the long running battle for the long running battle for supremacy between the forces of the supremacy between the forces of the Papacy and of the Holy Roman Papacy and of the Holy Roman Empire. Each city aligned itself with Empire. Each city aligned itself with one faction or the other, yet there one faction or the other, yet there was internal divisions within the was internal divisions within the cities. They used mercenaries.cities. They used mercenaries.

• There were also wars with France There were also wars with France (supporter of the Emperor) 1494(supporter of the Emperor) 1494

• The Sack of Rome by Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V 1527.(Spanish German troops)

Sounds lovely this must have Sounds lovely this must have been a peaceful time….been a peaceful time….NOT !NOT !City-states in Italy-City-states in Italy-WhereWhere the Renaissance the Renaissance

started.started.

•It was a time of the bloody It was a time of the bloody Inquisition of the marranos Inquisition of the marranos and Jews of Spain 1478-92and Jews of Spain 1478-92

Emergence of the wealthy Emergence of the wealthy merchantmerchant• Italy became the centre of the trade between Europe and Italy became the centre of the trade between Europe and

The East (remember Marco Polo)The East (remember Marco Polo)

• Wealthy families (usually merchants/successful Wealthy families (usually merchants/successful businessmen and bankers) and the church had amassed businessmen and bankers) and the church had amassed enough wealthenough wealth

• How do they nouveau rich impress others with their new How do they nouveau rich impress others with their new wealth- elaborate houses, jewelry, parties (think the wealth- elaborate houses, jewelry, parties (think the masquerade party in Romeo and Juliet) and masquerade party in Romeo and Juliet) and commissioning commissioning art, art and more art.art, art and more art.

• They became patrons of the arts, and hired the best of They became patrons of the arts, and hired the best of the best- the emergence of celebrity the best- the emergence of celebrity artists artists instead of instead of anonymous craftsmenanonymous craftsmen

Florence and the PatronsFlorence and the Patrons• Florence, located in the hill country of north-central Italy, Florence, located in the hill country of north-central Italy,

prospered because of the wool industry. During most of prospered because of the wool industry. During most of the Renaissance, wealthy merchants dominated Florence.the Renaissance, wealthy merchants dominated Florence.

• The Medicis- The Medicis- In the 15th century, the leading families of In the 15th century, the leading families of

Florence decided they needed a strong person in charge Florence decided they needed a strong person in charge to lead them against the growing threat of rival cities. to lead them against the growing threat of rival cities. They chose Cosimo de Medici, a wealthy banker, to take They chose Cosimo de Medici, a wealthy banker, to take control of the government (the original control of the government (the original business of the Medicis was business of the Medicis was pharmaceuticals which are reflected in pharmaceuticals which are reflected in their coat fo arms). Cosimo maintained their coat fo arms). Cosimo maintained the appearance of republican government,the appearance of republican government,

but he appointed his relatives and people he could but he appointed his relatives and people he could control to important positions. When Cosimo control to important positions. When Cosimo died in 1464, his son and grandson died in 1464, his son and grandson continued his policies. continued his policies.

•flourishing of artistic and scientific activities beginning in Italy in the mid 1300s

•The rise of the individual (The great invention of the Italian Renaissance was the creation of the "individual," the notion that human experiences and abilities should not be trivialized but in fact celebrated—that man was, in fact, "the measure of all things.)"

•a reconnection of the west with classical antiquity

• the absorption of knowledge: mathematics, science- (Copernicus and the Heliocentric Universe-1514 )

and Inventions (Gutenberg’s printing press-1448)

•The awakening of a desire for beauty

•Start of the age of exploration

•a focus on the importance of living well in the present

Points to RememberPoints to Remember

Art is going to evolve Art is going to evolve bringing back the beauty, bringing back the beauty, proportions and realism of proportions and realism of

the classics.the classics.

Retro Greek/Roman art with a Retro Greek/Roman art with a modern humanistic twistmodern humanistic twist

The following slides illustrate The following slides illustrate the evolution from Gothic art the evolution from Gothic art

to Early Renaissance.to Early Renaissance.

• An artist from Florence named Giotto was one of the first to paint in this new style. Giotto lived An artist from Florence named Giotto was one of the first to paint in this new style. Giotto lived more than a century before the beginning of the Renaissance, but his paintings show real more than a century before the beginning of the Renaissance, but his paintings show real emotion. The faces are more individual and realistic. The bodies look solid( more shading as well), emotion. The faces are more individual and realistic. The bodies look solid( more shading as well), and the background of his paintings shows perspective. The art produced during the Renaissance and the background of his paintings shows perspective. The art produced during the Renaissance would build upon Giotto’s style.would build upon Giotto’s style.

GIOTTOGIOTTOCimabue Gothic-Madonna of Sana Trinita•1280 Byzantine-

•gold background (symbol of heavenly light)

•Flat chair

•All the angels have the same faces and the prophets have the same faces -they play the same role

•Modonna face not natural (looks like an alien)

Madonna-1310

Giotto was an apprentice to Cimbue

Student beats the Master

Gentile Da Gentile Da Fabriario-Fabriario-Adoration of the Adoration of the MajiMaji

• Painted for the Strozzi Painted for the Strozzi family, another family, another merchant family in merchant family in Florence (textiles) and Florence (textiles) and rivals of Medici. Strozzi rivals of Medici. Strozzi was exiled from was exiled from Florence by Cosimo Florence by Cosimo Meici.Meici.

• Fabriario lived three Fabriario lived three years in of the years in of the Strozzi’s houses while Strozzi’s houses while painting this painting this commission commission (remember the artists (remember the artists worked for worked for commission, they had commission, they had little say in the subject little say in the subject manner).manner).

• The painting is very The painting is very vibrant with real gold vibrant with real gold and silver in a relief and silver in a relief form ( this image does form ( this image does not do it justice). not do it justice). Carved plaster would Carved plaster would first be placed on the first be placed on the painting, then gold painting, then gold leaved. The painting leaved. The painting would happen after.would happen after.

1423 3mx 2.8m-1423 3mx 2.8m-Tempra on woodTempra on wood

• Landscape is paintedLandscape is painted

• Realistic- real animalsRealistic- real animals

• Depth- spatial Depth- spatial perspective and some perspective and some lineal perspectivelineal perspective

• Mary is in blue- shows Mary is in blue- shows importance, blue was importance, blue was made from ground Lapis made from ground Lapis Luzure from Luzure from Afghanistan-extremely Afghanistan-extremely expensiveexpensive

• Commissioned by Commissioned by Strozzi so the Magi are Strozzi so the Magi are wearing the rich clothes wearing the rich clothes from their company (a from their company (a very expensive ad- you very expensive ad- you want to be important want to be important enough to meet the enough to meet the Virgin Mary wear Strozzi Virgin Mary wear Strozzi fabrics)fabrics)

• The artist is looking The artist is looking forward, and the patron forward, and the patron is beside him holding a is beside him holding a birdbird

Paolo Uccello : Battle of San Paolo Uccello : Battle of San RomanoRomano, , c. 1455, tempera on wood, 3.2 x 1.8 m, National Gallery, London.c. 1455, tempera on wood, 3.2 x 1.8 m, National Gallery, London.

•Where the Florentines beat the Duke of Milan (fighting between city-states)•Use of Perspective and Foreshortening

Paolo Uccello : Battle of San Paolo Uccello : Battle of San RomanoRomanoc. 1438, tempera on wood, 2.2 x 1.8 m, Uffizi c. 1438, tempera on wood, 2.2 x 1.8 m, Uffizi Gallery, Florence.Gallery, Florence.

Commisioned by Cosimo Medici

Flippo Lippi (what a Flippo Lippi (what a character)character)• Parents died when he was young and he was brought up by his aunt Parents died when he was young and he was brought up by his aunt from the ages of 2- 8 years oldfrom the ages of 2- 8 years old

• She couldn’t handle him so she sent him off to the monastery to She couldn’t handle him so she sent him off to the monastery to become a monkbecome a monk

• It is also said that-Early on he was captured by Moors whilst out It is also said that-Early on he was captured by Moors whilst out boating and sold into slavery in Africa, then later freed and returned boating and sold into slavery in Africa, then later freed and returned to Italyto Italy

• He was not a very good monk- he had many, many, girlfriendsHe was not a very good monk- he had many, many, girlfriends• But he was an excellent artist, but he could not stick to it (ADD?). But he was an excellent artist, but he could not stick to it (ADD?).

Cosimo (the elder) Medici commissioned a painting by Flippo it took Cosimo (the elder) Medici commissioned a painting by Flippo it took hem 7 yearshem 7 years

• Once Cosimo locked him in his room for days but he climbed out of Once Cosimo locked him in his room for days but he climbed out of the window using sheets to visit his love- Lucrezia Buti (who was the window using sheets to visit his love- Lucrezia Buti (who was also a nun)also a nun)

• It’s said they had two children togetherIt’s said they had two children together

This was the patron- he died before Flippo finished so he looks dead-it reads in latin- “He finished the work”

John the Baptist-patron saint of Florence and chosen personal saint of the patron (always wears fur)

We’re suppose to be looking att he Virgin Mary above, but we are drawn to the woman looking at us on the bottom right (also many

angels are looking at her- that’s Lucrezia Buti , his lover (also wearing the same colours as Mary)

The bored Monk is Flippo,

bored of the painting,

what else?

Coronation of the Virgin – 1439-47

Filippo Lippi and Assistance

Filippo Lippi- Filippo Lippi- Madonna with Madonna with Child and Two Child and Two Angels-1465Angels-1465•Belief that the young Belief that the young woman is Lucrezia , the woman is Lucrezia , the num scandalously loved num scandalously loved by the friar/painter, who by the friar/painter, who gave him a daughter gave him a daughter and a son (it has been and a son (it has been suggested the little boy suggested the little boy angel is Filipino who angel is Filipino who grew up to be a famous grew up to be a famous painter himself)painter himself)•Notice how they are Notice how they are stepping out from the stepping out from the frameframe•Very delicate Very delicate compositioncomposition•The background The background (painting within a (painting within a painting) seems to painting) seems to anticipate the future anticipate the future expressive landscapes expressive landscapes of Leonardo da Vinciof Leonardo da Vinci

Fashionable look in the Renaissance Fashionable look in the Renaissance Duke and Duchess of Urbino 1472 (realism of Rome-Duke and Duchess of Urbino 1472 (realism of Rome-

Humanism)Humanism)

•High forehead (plucked or shaved hairline•Blonde hair (dyed hair using________)•Pale skin (the high class did nto work in the field) used white makeup with______•She was unusually pale because she was already dead and he was using her death mask

Piero della Francesca

Andrea Mantega- Dead Christ Andrea Mantega- Dead Christ ((c. 1490Tempera on canvas, 68 x 81 cm, Milanc. 1490Tempera on canvas, 68 x 81 cm, Milan

•He used extreme foreshortening. (Parts get smaller as the recede in space)•Looking in we see an almost monstrous spectacle: a heavy corpse, seemingly swollen by the exaggerated foreshortening. At the front are two enormous feet with holes in them; as well as the nail holes in the hands; on the left, some tear-stained, staring masks.•Strong realism-the wrinkled face of Christ

Sandro Botticelli- Sandro Botticelli- Florentine painter neglected Florentine painter neglected for centuries but now for centuries but now probably the best-loved probably the best-loved painter of the Early painter of the Early Renaissance. Renaissance. Sandro trained with Filippo Sandro trained with Filippo Lippi, who was the most Lippi, who was the most important influence on his important influence on his style. By temperament he style. By temperament he belonged to the current of late belonged to the current of late 15th-century art whose art 15th-century art whose art sometimes bordering on sometimes bordering on sentimentality, a feminine sentimentality, a feminine grace, and an emphasis on grace, and an emphasis on the ornamental and evocative the ornamental and evocative capabilities of line. capabilities of line.

Adoration of the Maji- 1475 1.11m x 1.34 m

1.  Lorenzo the Magnificent2.  Poliziano3.  Pico della Mirandola4.  Gaspare Lami (a broker who footed the bill)5.  Cosimo the Elder6.  Piero the Gouty (Lorenzo's Dad)7.  Guiliano de' Medici  (Lorenzo's younger brother, later murdered in the Pazzi Conspiracy)8.  Giovanni de' Medici (younger brother of Piero the Gouty)9.  Filippo Strozzi10.  Joannis Argiropulos11.  Sandro Botticelli12.  Lorenzo Tornabuoni

Who’s who- If you’re a Medici your’re good enough to meet the Holy Family (remember the Strozzi’s commissioned artwork on the same theme)

Botticelli-PrimeveraBotticelli-PrimeveraUffizi Gallery FlorenceUffizi Gallery Florence(1481-82)- Tempra on (1481-82)- Tempra on woodwood 2.0 m x 3.1 m 2.0 m x 3.1 m

Three Graces- may be a symbol of Liberality

Venus as a symbol of spring, being adorned with the flowers of the three Graces

Winged Zephyrus who chased and possessed the nymph Chloris and them married her giving her the gift of germinating flowers

Smiling figure – transformation of Chloris into Flora, the Roman goddess of Spring

Cupid- blidfolded god of LoveMercury- herald of Jove- symbol of knowledge-wisking away the clouds of winter

• Example of the Roman/Greek culture on the Renaissance- not a Christian related theme

• It’s seen as the return to a golden age in Florence

Botticelli- Birth of Venus Botticelli- Birth of Venus (1482)- Tempra on (1482)- Tempra on canvascanvas 1.8 m x 2.8 m 1.8 m x 2.8 m

•Scene based on traditional mythology. The god of the winds, Zephyr, Scene based on traditional mythology. The god of the winds, Zephyr, and the breeze Aura are in a tight embrace, and are gently driving Venus and the breeze Aura are in a tight embrace, and are gently driving Venus towards the shore with their breath. She is standing naked on a golden towards the shore with their breath. She is standing naked on a golden shining shell, which reaches the shore floating on rippling waves. There, a shining shell, which reaches the shore floating on rippling waves. There, a Hora of Spring is approaching on the tips of her toes, in a graceful Hora of Spring is approaching on the tips of her toes, in a graceful dancing motion, spreading out a magnificent cloak for her. More creative dancing motion, spreading out a magnificent cloak for her. More creative than realistic, she looks more like a statue.than realistic, she looks more like a statue.•Pastel colours (added white alabaster to paint) SERENE and GRACEFUlPastel colours (added white alabaster to paint) SERENE and GRACEFUl

Sculpture- Donatello Sculpture- Donatello (the first of our Ninja (the first of our Ninja

Turtles)Turtles)• Donatello’s bronze Donatello’s bronze "David" is believed to be "David" is believed to be the first free-standing the first free-standing nude statue since Greco-nude statue since Greco-Roman times. Roman times.

• Almost Life size (1.6 m)Almost Life size (1.6 m)• "David's" stance "David's" stance

suggests a new self-suggests a new self-awareness of his awareness of his physical form a physical form a combination of classic combination of classic style and renaissance style and renaissance expression (pride, expression (pride, dignity)dignity)

• Symbolizes the victory of Symbolizes the victory of the small and self the small and self sufficient against the sufficient against the brute force of the larger brute force of the larger opponentsopponents

• Sculpted in the Greek’s Sculpted in the Greek’s contraposta style (the contraposta style (the weight of the on one leg, weight of the on one leg, the shoulders and the the shoulders and the hips counterbalanced hips counterbalanced each other in a natural each other in a natural way so the figure does way so the figure does not fall over). not fall over). •David (1430-1432)- David (1430-1432)-

BronzeBronze

Architecture- Architecture- (or Mrs. Amor’s trip (or Mrs. Amor’s trip to Florence)to Florence)

The Cathedral or The Cathedral or Duomo of Florence Duomo of Florence as we see it today as we see it today is the end result of is the end result of years of work that years of work that covered over six covered over six centuries of centuries of history..history..

Its basic architectural project was designed and constructed at Its basic architectural project was designed and constructed at the end of the 13th century; the cupola that has made it a symbol the end of the 13th century; the cupola that has made it a symbol for the whole of Florence was created by that genius of the for the whole of Florence was created by that genius of the Renaissance, Renaissance, Filippo BrunelleschiFilippo Brunelleschi, while the facade that , while the facade that completed it was carried out as late as the late 19th centurycompleted it was carried out as late as the late 19th century

The Bell TowerThe Bell TowerThe BaptisteryThe origins of the temple dedicated to St. John the Baptist, later patron saint of the city, are still uncertain. According to tradition, it was founded in Roman times and dedicated to the god Mars.

Gates of Paradise Gates of Paradise (on the Baptistery door)(on the Baptistery door)

• Lorenzo Ghiberti- (1425-52)Lorenzo Ghiberti- (1425-52)• All panels depict stories of the All panels depict stories of the

Christian Old testament or Christian Old testament or Jewish Bible (Torah) (some are Jewish Bible (Torah) (some are in the Koran as well) in the Koran as well)

• gilded cast bronze, each gilded cast bronze, each panel of the doors is about panel of the doors is about 79.4 cm square79.4 cm square

• This sculpture employs linear This sculpture employs linear perspective, differences in perspective, differences in figure size, overlapping, and figure size, overlapping, and varying depths of relief, to varying depths of relief, to create the illusion of great create the illusion of great space.space.

• The panels show clearly the The panels show clearly the brilliant modeling technique brilliant modeling technique and perfect perspective, so and perfect perspective, so that the figures stand out that the figures stand out against the architectural against the architectural background and the work background and the work seems almost a painting in seems almost a painting in bronzebronze..

Issac

What you should noteWhat you should note• Why the Renaissance happenedWhy the Renaissance happened• Emergence of the patron and the artistEmergence of the patron and the artist• How you recognise Renaissance art- How you recognise Renaissance art-

realism, rediscovery of beauty, etc.realism, rediscovery of beauty, etc.• Subject matter- religious, mythology, bit of Subject matter- religious, mythology, bit of

historical, portraitshistorical, portraits• New Techniques- perspective, New Techniques- perspective,

foreshortening, depthforeshortening, depth• Old techniques rediscovered- free standing Old techniques rediscovered- free standing

sculpture, contraposta sculpture, contraposta • Artists- Artists- Botticelli, Donatello (but I love Botticelli, Donatello (but I love

Flippo Lippi- what a guy)Flippo Lippi- what a guy)