Renaissance Art

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that the Renaissance put forth not only new techniques, but also a new creed as far as artistic expression. In support of this thesis, the paper describes and analyzes twelve works of art executed during the Renaissance. First, the paper explores the intellectual and philosophical influences that inspired the Renaissance. This is compared to the middle ages, which were marked by the strictness imposed by the Catholic Church which exerted control over society and also art. Then, the works of the various Renaissance artists are described in terms of their innovative depictions and techniques. These artists include Tintoretto, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bellini among others. The paper concludes by citing the Renaissance as one of the most artistically prolific movements in history.

From the Paper:

"Michelangelo brought Renaissance to its highest point and showed the road to be followed by his successors and pupils. Without a doubt, David (1501-1504) is his masterpiece, the embodiment of all civic virtues and a true expression of the titanic unfinished manner of the sculptor. Michelangelo's technique largely relied on sketches which in turn, were based on a profound knowledge of male anatomy. This artistic discipline was called 'disegno' and is deeply characteristic of the Renaissance when both artists and scientists believed that the study of the male form was a study of God and thus interpreted the sculpture of the male body as the supreme form of art due to its connection with God. Moreover, according to this artistic credo, the sculpture becomes a replica of the divine process of creation. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barolsky, Paul.As in Ovid, So in Renaissance Art. Renaissance Quarterly, Vol. 51, No. 2 (Summer, 1998), pp. 451-474
• Huber, Lorraine G. The High Renaissance period 1495-1520. Available: <http://www.abstractloft.com/expressionist/artcrit.html>
• Johnson, Paul. (2003). The Roman Climax of Art and Its Confused Aftermath. In Art: A New History. Harper Collins. 273-310.
• Looking at the Renaissance. The Open University. <http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/renaissance2/economic.htm>

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