Abstract This paper discusses how the special exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art serve an important role in the storytelling of social, political and art history. In particular, it looks at how the special Renaissance exhibition tells a fascinating story of religious and intellectual enlightenment, and provides patrons with a glimpse of Renaissance tastes, fashions, standards of living and way of life. It examines how the artwork of Fra Angelico and the special exhibit on Renaissance tapestries provide a great deal of knowledge and insight on Renaissance artist influence in religion, society and affluent tastes.
From the Paper "Angelico's famous pieces The Nativity and The Virgin of Humility are displayed at this exhibit. The works are very powerful, using bright colors to emphasize the birth of Jesus, angels rejoicing from above, and the Virgin Mary cradling Jesus. The pieces individually show Angelico's devotion to the Catholic Church, with symbolism fairly common within the paintings. However the paintings also portray to the viewer the saintly respect provided to the acquaintances of Jesus, especially the mother Virgin Mary. "
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts these two Renaissance interpretations of the Madonna and Child. It looks at the differing stylistic elements and discusses why the paintings are significant works of art for their timeframe. The attempt to blend the real world with the spiritual is explored and the painters? different techniques in their quest to achieve that blending are studied. The paper concludes with a concise summary of the similarities and the differences between these two paintings.
From the Paper "Raphael spent several years in Florence where he produced seventeen images of the Virgin Mary and Child. During that time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were his primary teachers, which would account for his stylistic rendering of the Madonna and Child. The Small Cowper Madonna, which was done in oil on wood and was completed around 1505, reflects the innovations that he learned form his years with Leonardo. He mirrored the Florentine method of painting that concentrated on intimacy and simplicity of the setting."
