Renaissance Art (c. 14th – 17th Century CE)

Renaissance Art (c. 14th – 17th Century CE)

Definition & Background:
The Renaissance, meaning "rebirth," marked a revival of classical Greco-Roman ideals in art, science, and humanism. Originating in Italy, it spread across Europe, emphasizing perspective, anatomical accuracy, and individual expression. Renaissance artists mastered oil painting, linear perspective, and sfumato (soft transitions of light and shadow). Religious, mythological, and secular themes flourished in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Five Key Renaissance Artists / Artworks:

  1. Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519 CE)

    • Bio: A polymath of the High Renaissance, Leonardo was a master of anatomy, engineering, and painting, embodying the ideal of the "Renaissance Man."
    • Notable Works:
      • Mona Lisa – The most famous portrait, known for its enigmatic expression and sfumato technique.
      • The Last Supper – A dramatic depiction of Christ’s final meal, showcasing linear perspective.

  2. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564 CE)

    • Bio: A sculptor, painter, and architect, Michelangelo was renowned for his expressive figures and monumental compositions.
    • Notable Works:
      • David – A marble masterpiece showcasing anatomical perfection.
      • Sistine Chapel Ceiling – A fresco depicting Genesis, including The Creation of Adam.

  3. Raphael (1483–1520 CE)

    • Bio: Known for his harmonious compositions, Raphael was a leading painter of the High Renaissance, blending realism with idealized beauty.
    • Notable Works:
      • The School of Athens – A fresco honoring classical philosophy, featuring Plato and Aristotle.
      • Sistine Madonna – A devotional painting known for its soft, divine figures.

  4. Titian (c. 1488–1576 CE)

    • Bio: A Venetian master, Titian revolutionized color and brushwork, influencing later Baroque painters.
    • Notable Works:
      • Venus of Urbino – A sensual portrait that redefined the reclining nude.
      • Assumption of the Virgin – A grand altarpiece filled with dynamic movement.

  5. Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528 CE)

    • Bio: A Northern Renaissance artist, Dürer was a master of woodcuts, engraving, and self-portraiture, blending Italian and German styles.
    • Notable Works:
      • Self-Portrait (1500) – A strikingly detailed representation of the artist.
      • Melencolia I – A mysterious engraving filled with symbols of intellectual struggle.
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