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Art History II – Renaissance to Modern Era
Table of Contents
Unit 1 Overview: The Renaissance
1.1 The Italian Renaissance
1.2 The Northern Renaissance
1.3 Renaissance Art and Architecture
1.4 The High Renaissance
1.5 Mannerism

The High Renaissance marked the peak of artistic achievement in Renaissance Italy, spanning from 1490 to 1527. Artists strived for perfection in form, proportion, and perspective, employing mathematical precision to achieve balance and unity in their works.

This period saw technical mastery and aesthetic ideals reach new heights. Innovations in oil painting techniques allowed for greater depth and realism, while powerful patrons like the Medici family and the Papacy fostered artistic innovation through large-scale commissions.

High Renaissance Characteristics

Technical Mastery and Aesthetic Ideals

  • High Renaissance spanned from approximately 1490 to 1527 marked the pinnacle of artistic achievement in Renaissance Italy
  • Artists strived for perfection in form, proportion, and perspective employing mathematical precision to achieve balance and unity
  • "Sprezzatura" concept emphasized grace and apparent ease in execution despite complexity of works
  • Innovations in oil painting techniques (sfumato and chiaroscuro) allowed for greater depth, realism, and emotional expressiveness
  • Incorporation of classical elements and themes from Greek and Roman mythology reflected renewed interest in antiquity
  • Emergence of "Renaissance man" ideal celebrated individuals excelling in multiple disciplines (Leonardo da Vinci)

Patronage and Cultural Context

  • Powerful families provided crucial patronage fostering artistic innovation and large-scale commissions
    • Medici family in Florence
    • Papacy in Rome
  • Stability and prosperity of Italian city-states provided economic foundation for large-scale artistic patronage
  • Papacy's ambition to reassert Rome as center of Christendom led to massive artistic and architectural projects
  • Humanist philosophy influenced artists' approach to depicting human form and exploring human psychology
  • Revival of Neoplatonism in Florentine intellectual circles influenced artistic representations of beauty and the divine
    • Evident in Botticelli's late works
    • Apparent in Michelangelo's sculptures

Major High Renaissance Artists

Leonardo da Vinci

  • Works exemplify mastery of sfumato technique and psychological insight
    • "The Last Supper" revolutionized religious painting
    • "Mona Lisa" transformed portraiture
  • Pioneered anatomical studies and scientific approach to art
  • Developed innovative techniques for depicting light and shadow
  • Explored diverse fields including engineering, anatomy, and botany

Michelangelo

  • Sculptures demonstrate unparalleled skill in marble carving
    • "David" showcases mastery of human anatomy and classical ideals
    • "Pietà" infuses classical forms with emotional intensity and spiritual depth
  • Sistine Chapel ceiling represents tour de force of fresco painting
    • Showcases mastery of human anatomy and foreshortening
    • Demonstrates narrative composition on monumental scale
  • Explored themes of human struggle and divine inspiration in his works
  • Excelled in multiple artistic disciplines including sculpture, painting, and architecture

Raphael

  • "School of Athens" in Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura epitomizes High Renaissance ideals
    • Demonstrates harmony, balance, and intellectual discourse
    • Incorporates portraits of contemporary artists and philosophers
  • Mastered technique of sfumato learned from Leonardo da Vinci
  • Developed distinctive style characterized by graceful figures and harmonious compositions
  • Influential in evolving the role of preparatory drawings in artistic process

High Renaissance Influence

Impact on Subsequent Art Movements

  • Technical innovations and aesthetic ideals became benchmarks for artistic excellence
  • Mannerism emerged as both extension and reaction to High Renaissance principles
    • Emphasized elongated forms and complex compositions
    • Focused on intellectual sophistication
  • Academy movement in art education codified High Renaissance principles
    • Formed foundation for artistic training throughout Europe
  • Baroque art built upon achievements in naturalism, dramatic lighting, and emotional expressiveness
  • Neoclassicism revived interest in High Renaissance ideals
    • Emphasized harmony, proportion, and classical subject matter
  • Concept of artistic genius influenced Romantic movement and modern notions of artistic identity

Techniques and Traditions

  • High Renaissance techniques continued to inform realistic painting traditions into 19th century
    • Perspective methods refined during this period remained influential
    • Anatomical studies impacted figurative art for centuries
  • Chiaroscuro technique influenced development of tenebrism in Baroque art
  • Sfumato technique inspired later artists' exploration of atmospheric effects
  • Workshop practices and collaborative projects fostered exchange of ideas and techniques
    • Decoration of Vatican apartments exemplified this collaborative approach
  • Rivalry among leading artists (Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael) contributed to rapid advancement of techniques

High Renaissance Context

Political and Social Factors

  • Political instability and foreign invasions in later years contributed to dispersal of artists
    • Led to spread of Italian Renaissance ideals throughout Europe
  • Growing tension between Renaissance humanism and religious orthodoxy reflected in evolving treatment of religious subjects
    • Culminated in the Reformation
  • Emergence of print culture facilitated spread of High Renaissance aesthetics beyond Italy
    • Wider dissemination of artistic ideas through engravings and treatises
  • Expansion of trade and exploration broadened artistic horizons
    • Introduced new materials and techniques to European artists
  • Rise of wealthy merchant class created new patrons for art beyond traditional religious and aristocratic circles

Intellectual and Cultural Developments

  • Humanist education system emphasized study of classical texts and rhetoric
    • Influenced artists' approach to narrative and allegory
  • Rediscovery of ancient Roman texts and artworks inspired new interpretations of classical themes
  • Development of linear perspective revolutionized spatial representation in painting
  • Advances in anatomy and natural sciences informed artists' depiction of human body and natural world
  • Growing interest in individual identity led to increased demand for portraiture
    • Reflected in psychological depth of High Renaissance portraits

Key Terms to Review (23)

Humanism: Humanism is an intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the study of classical texts and the value of human potential and achievements. It shifted focus from purely religious themes to a more secular worldview, celebrating human reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge. This philosophical outlook influenced art, literature, and education, connecting deeply with the cultural transformations of the period.
Vasari's Lives of the Artists: Vasari's Lives of the Artists is a seminal work written by Giorgio Vasari in 1550, providing biographical accounts of prominent Italian artists from the 13th to the 16th centuries. This book is significant because it not only details the lives and works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo but also establishes the framework for art history as a discipline, particularly during the High Renaissance. It combines biographical anecdotes with critical evaluations of artistic styles and contributions, making it a foundational text in understanding the evolution of art during this period.
Dome of St. Peter's Basilica: The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica is a massive architectural feature that dominates the skyline of Vatican City, designed by Michelangelo and completed in 1590. This dome is considered one of the greatest achievements of Renaissance architecture, symbolizing the power and grandeur of the Catholic Church. It reflects the innovative use of space and light that characterizes the High Renaissance, showcasing the transition from Gothic to Renaissance design principles.
Palladian Architecture: Palladian architecture is a style of building design characterized by classical Roman principles, especially symmetry, perspective, and the use of columns, developed by the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. This style emphasizes harmony and proportion, often incorporating grand facades and porticos, which became influential in both Europe and America during the High Renaissance and beyond.
Divine proportion: Divine proportion, often referred to as the golden ratio, is a mathematical ratio, approximately 1.618, that is believed to create aesthetically pleasing compositions in art and architecture. This concept became particularly significant during the High Renaissance as artists and architects sought to achieve harmony and beauty through proportional relationships in their works, reflecting a blend of scientific inquiry and artistic expression.
Ideal beauty: Ideal beauty refers to the concept of a standard or model of perfection in art and aesthetics that embodies harmony, proportion, and balance. This notion was particularly prominent during the High Renaissance, where artists aimed to represent the human figure and nature in a way that was considered perfect and aesthetically pleasing, often drawing from classical ideals and the principles of symmetry and proportion.
Mannerism: Mannerism is an artistic style that emerged in the late Renaissance, characterized by elongated forms, exaggerated poses, and a departure from the balanced harmony of the High Renaissance. It reflects a shift in artistic priorities, focusing more on emotional expression and individual style rather than adherence to classical ideals of proportion and perspective. This style represents a transitional phase, showcasing both the influence of earlier Renaissance art and the beginnings of the Baroque era.
Classical Revival: Classical revival refers to the renewed interest in the art, architecture, and ideas of ancient Greece and Rome that characterized the Renaissance period. This movement marked a significant shift from medieval traditions, focusing on humanism, proportion, perspective, and the beauty of the natural world, which were essential themes during this transformative era in Western art history.
Renaissance Ideals: Renaissance ideals refer to the core principles that emerged during the Renaissance period, emphasizing humanism, individualism, and a revival of classical learning and values. These ideals promoted the belief in the potential of human beings to achieve greatness through education, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge, significantly influencing art, literature, philosophy, and science during this transformative era.
Pope Julius II: Pope Julius II, who reigned from 1503 to 1513, was a significant figure in the High Renaissance, known for his ambitious patronage of the arts and his military and political maneuvers. Often referred to as the 'Warrior Pope,' he played a crucial role in commissioning some of the era's most iconic artworks and architectural projects, including the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica and works by Michelangelo and Raphael. His reign marked a pivotal point where the Catholic Church became a major supporter of Renaissance art and culture.
Lorenzo de' medici: Lorenzo de' Medici, also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, was an influential Italian statesman and ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Renaissance. His patronage of the arts and humanities helped to cultivate a vibrant cultural environment in Florence, making it a center of artistic innovation and intellectual thought during the High Renaissance.
Sfumato: Sfumato is a painting technique that creates a soft, gradual transition between colors and tones, giving a smoky or hazy effect. This method is especially known for its ability to produce a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, allowing forms to appear more lifelike. Sfumato is commonly associated with the work of Leonardo da Vinci and is a hallmark of the High Renaissance, but it also appears in later styles, such as Mannerism and Baroque art.
Chiaroscuro: Chiaroscuro is a technique used in visual arts to create a strong contrast between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality of subjects. This method helps to model forms and define spatial depth, adding drama and emotion to artworks. It has been pivotal in various artistic movements, where artists used light and shadow to evoke different feelings and highlight important aspects of their compositions.
School of Athens: The School of Athens is a renowned fresco painted by Raphael around 1509-1511, depicting an assembly of the greatest philosophers and scholars of ancient Greece. This masterpiece exemplifies the High Renaissance's ideals of harmony, balance, and the revival of classical thought, showcasing figures like Plato and Aristotle at the center, symbolizing the quest for knowledge and the importance of reason.
Pietà: Pietà refers to a specific artistic representation that depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. This powerful image evokes deep emotions of sorrow and compassion, encapsulating themes of grief and maternal love, which are central to both High Renaissance art and Renaissance art and architecture. The term is often associated with significant masterpieces that showcase the transition to a more humanistic approach in art during this period.
David: David is a significant subject in Renaissance art, symbolizing the ideal of human beauty, strength, and moral virtue. Often depicted as a youthful figure who defeats the giant Goliath, the image of David encapsulates the Renaissance focus on humanism and the revival of classical ideals. This theme is notably present in artworks by renowned artists, showcasing innovative techniques in sculpture and painting during a pivotal period in art history.
Mona Lisa: The Mona Lisa is a renowned portrait painting by Leonardo da Vinci, created between 1503 and 1506, that showcases a woman with an enigmatic expression. The painting is celebrated for its innovative use of sfumato and its composition, which reflects the artistic principles of the High Renaissance, highlighting realism, human emotion, and the importance of individualism in art.
The Last Supper: The Last Supper is a renowned mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci, created between 1495 and 1498, depicting the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. This artwork captures a pivotal moment in Christian theology and illustrates the emotional dynamics among the figures at the table, showcasing the transition from the Middle Ages to the High Renaissance through its innovative composition and use of perspective.
Raphael: Raphael was an influential Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, celebrated for his harmonious compositions, clarity of form, and mastery of perspective. His work reflects a balance between the idealism of the Classical world and the emotional depth of human experience, making him one of the key figures in Renaissance art. Raphael's contributions not only shaped the visual arts but also laid the groundwork for Mannerism, showcasing an evolution in style and technique.
Leonardo da Vinci: Leonardo da Vinci was a polymath of the Italian Renaissance, renowned for his contributions to art, science, engineering, and anatomy. As one of the most influential figures of the High Renaissance, he is best known for masterpieces like 'The Last Supper' and 'Mona Lisa,' which exemplify the era's artistic ideals of realism, human emotion, and perspective. His work not only shaped Renaissance art but also laid the groundwork for future developments in various fields.
Michelangelo: Michelangelo was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance, widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time. His works, characterized by their emotional intensity and extraordinary detail, exemplified the ideals of humanism and are pivotal in understanding the transitions from the Renaissance to Mannerism. Michelangelo's contributions span multiple art forms, making him a defining figure in art history.
Perspective: Perspective is a technique in art that creates the illusion of depth and space on a flat surface, allowing artists to depict three-dimensional objects in a two-dimensional format. This method became prominent during the Renaissance as artists sought to enhance the realism of their work, leading to more lifelike representations. It involves concepts such as linear perspective, where parallel lines converge at a vanishing point, and atmospheric perspective, which uses color and clarity to suggest distance.
Sistine Chapel Ceiling: The Sistine Chapel Ceiling is a monumental fresco painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, located in the Vatican City. This iconic work of art is renowned for its intricate details, vibrant colors, and dynamic figures, depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis and showcasing the artist's mastery of human anatomy and expression. It stands as a key example of the High Renaissance style, illustrating the period's emphasis on classical themes and humanistic values.