The Italian RenaissanceThe renaissance, or "rebirth" in Italy began in the late 14th century and lasted until the early 16th century.
Many ancient ideas were rediscovered in areas such as philosophy, literature, and science. People focused on learning by direct observation and study of the natural world. Religious themes and Greek and Roman mythology also became increasingly important to artists, who sought to recreate what was found in the classical age.
We have already looked atThe Italian Renaissance
Image from Botticelli, “Birth of Venus,” 1482, Italy
Leonardo, “Mona Lisa,” or “La Gioconda,” 1503-1506, France
Now let’s take a look at the Northern Renaissance
Northern Europe or Europe outside of ItalyStaring in the late 15th centuryGermanyFranceEnglandNetherlandsPoland
Influences
Decline of feudalism – where a lord granted land (a fief) to his vassals. In exchange for the fief, the vassal would provide military service to the lord. Recovery from Black Plague (1348 – 1350)Increasing use of money Improvement in farming methodsDecrease of influence of Roman Catholic churchPrinting press – booksScientific Research
The Northern Renaissance
Italian NorthernSpeciality Ideal beauty Intense realistic detail
Style Simplified forms, measured proportions
Lifelike features, unflattering honesty
Subjects Religious & mythological scenes
Religious & domestic scenes
Figures Heroic males Prosperous citizens, peasants
Portraits Formal, reserved Reveal individual personality
Technique Fresco, tempera, oil Oil on wood
Emphasis Underlying anatomical structure
Visible appearance
Basis of Art Theory Observation
Artists
Netherlands & BelgiumJan van Eyck – detailed realism respected in ItalyRogier van der WeydenPieter Bruegel the Elder – developed own styleHieronymus Bosch – developed own style
GermanyAlbrecht Dürer – travelled to ItalyHans Holbein the Elder – existing Gothic influence
Pieter Bruegel
Pieter Bruegel the Elder. “Hunters in the Snow,” 1565 or Months: The Return of the Hunters, 1575, oil on canvas. Flemish.
Hieronymouse Bosch
From the Garden of Earthly Delights. Panel: The Earthly Paradise (Garden of Eden), 1504
From Panel: Hell
Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer. Hare (Lepus europaeus
Pallas), 1502. Watercolor and
gouache, heightened with
white.
Baroque: The Ornate AgeBaroque period, originated in Italy around the late 16th century, and spread to other countries, until the 18th century. Baroque period art is emotional and dramatic, appealing to the senses, with exaggerated detail and motion and intense contrast of light and dark. While themes were often religious, the aristocracy appreciated the ornate style in painting and architecture as a way to show off their wealth.
Italian BaroqueCaravaggioAnnibale CarracciArtemisia Gentileschi
Flemish & DutchRubensvan DyckHedaHalsRembrandt
English BaroqueVermeerHogarthGainsboroughReynolds
Spanish BaroqueVelazquez
French BaroquePoussinLorrainVersailles Palace
Supper at Emmaus, 1601.
Chiaroscuro -Strong contrast between light and darkhttp://www.forvo.com/word/chiaroscuro/
Caravaggio
Flemish & Dutch Baroque
Sir Peter Paul Rubens
Rubens with Isabella Brant in the Bower with Honeysuckle,1609
RococoMood: Playful, superficial, alive with energy
Interior Décor: gilded woodwork, painted panels, enormous wall mirrors
Shapes: S and C-curves, ribbon-like scrolls
Style: light, graceful, delicate
Colours: white, silvers, gold, light pinks, blues, greens