ESSAY PROMPT: Discuss how Renaissance ideas are expressed in the Italian art of the period, referring to specific works and artists.

Which ideas characterized the Italian Renaissance as both a rebirth of classical culture and a distinct period of European history?

1. Humanism--renewed interest in the study of Greek, Latin, and the philosophers of the classical period; interest in pagan legends

2. Secularism-- worldliness and materialism; a concern with success in this life (Increasingly secular view of life, despite continuing influence of the Church)

3. Individualism--Optimism about the potential of unique individuals (the development of portraiture as an artistic genre) Confidence--man can achieve whatever he puts his mind to

The Renaissance Man The Greek ideal of the wellrounded man was at the heart of Renaissance education. Broad knowledge about many things in different fields. Deep knowledge/skill in one area. Able to link information from different areas/disciplines and create new knowledge.

4. Civic Humanism (VIRTU) -- the responsibility of the individual to the community or city-state

5. Patronage--both a. civic (as an expression of Civic Humanism: competition to beautify cities) and, b. private

6. Idealization of beauty, especially as it pertains to the human body

7. Religion still at the core of Italian Renaissance life: The Church's continued role as a major patron of the arts, combined with its temporal power on the Italian peninsula, insured that spiritual values would be blended with the newer Renaissance ideas.

We have defined and discussed important terms that illustrate several Renaissance ideas/values.

We have to include a discussion of at least two Renaissance artists and two works of art. We have to show how art reflects the ideas of the Renaissance by using specific references to the aspects of the works of art that express Renaissance values.

Birth of Venus Botticelli, 1485

Birth of Venus Botticelli,c. 1482 Representation of a pagan goddess Idealization of beauty Nudity: an innovation in itself

To help protect your privacy, PowerPoint prevented this external picture from being automatically downloaded. To download and display this picture, click Options in the Message Bar, and then click Enable external content. Adoration of the Magi Botticelli, 1475

Adoration of the Magi Botticelli, 1475 group portrait of the Holy Family and the Medici family power, arrogance, opulence significance of the role of the commercial elite The Medicis are depicted taking part in the procession through the streets with the Confraternity of Magi, dressed as oriental kings as they did every year in Florence in reenactment

The School of Athens Raphael, 1510-11

The School of Athens Raphael, 1510-11 All of the important Greek philosophers and thinkers are included A great variety of poses Located in the papal apartments library No Christian themes

The School of Athens Raphael, details Plato: points to the heavens [the IDEAL realm]. Aristotle: points to the earth [the here and now].

The School of Athens Raphael, details

The School of Athens Raphael, 1510-11 Renaissance emphasis on learning and the revival of the great works of Ancient Greece & Rome Most intellectuals and philosophers the ancient world congregated together in one scene, involved in active discussion against a background of glorious Greek architecture

The Last Supper - da Vinci, 1498

The Last Supper - da Vinci, 1498 Christ-figure as Man rather than Divinity "One of you shall betray me!"- -moment of maximum human drama rather than spirituality Application of scientific principles to organize the composition of the painting

The Sistine Chapel s Ceiling Michelangelo, 1508-1512

Creation of Man--The Sistine Chapel

Creation of Man (ceiling of the Sistine Chapel) Portrayal of the Supreme Being in human form An unafraid Adam faces his maker Adam reaches out for the spark of life, his head positioned only slightly lower than his Creator

The Sistine Chapel Details

Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel Humanistic approach-- Glorification of the value of man: man created in the image of his Creator; the crown of creation Last Judgment--in his arrogance, man has drifted from Divine will and will suffer the consequences

Brunelleschi s Dome

Brunelleschi s Dome influence of classical culture and scientific ideas

David Donatello, ca. 1434

David Donatello, ca. 1434 First free-form form bronze since Roman times! Reflects freedom of movement achieved in the nude figures of classical sculpture CONTRAPPOSTO (more dynamic / relaxed pose)

David Michelangelo, 1501-4

David Michelangelo, 1501-4 Was supposed to reflect the power the determination supreme confidence of Florence

David Michelangelo, 1501-4 The strength and beauty of the human form Value of the individual Determined gaze, confident stance and the slingshot hanging over the shoulder express the Renaissance belief in the extreme capability of man