Renaissance Art: History, Techniques and Great Masters | Artblr
Renaissance art
How Renaissance art was born in Italy, the masters who shaped it, the techniques they invented and its deep link with humanism.
Artblr··9 min read·
In short
Renaissance art emerged in Italy, especially in Florence and Venice, after the Middle Ages and flourished from the 13th to the 16th century. Shaped by humanism, it revived Greek and Roman forms and spread techniques such as sfumato, chiaroscuro and foreshortening through masters like Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael.
Factors that led to the emergence of Renaissance art
What is described as Renaissance art emerged and spread from the 13th century to the 16th century. Renaissance art refers to the art that emerged shortly after the Middle Ages. Renaissance art history and characteristics were hinged on the resurgence of art forms that could be traced to the Greeks and Romans. Just like every other aspect of society was affected by the prevailing ideology and consciousness, art too fell under the influence and experienced a major change from what was previously obtainable. The Renaissance era could be described as a time in which people began to learn and seek knowledge. It was a period that was characterized by fairly stable governments and an immeasurable fascination with learning. With advancements in fields like philosophy, innovation, astronomy, mathematics, engineering and many more, it is only expected that the art form would have reflected the advancements of the era. Renaissance art is found within the context of a time when the fears, skepticism, superstition, apprehension and dogmatic views of life that characterized the Middle Ages were abandoned for the pursuit of knowledge.
There was an explosion in the advancement of learning with the growth of the printing press and an irrepressible attraction for new ideas and interests. Given that there were many new discoveries in many fields during this era, it should be noted that art and painting experienced major improvements. The style and techniques adopted in Renaissance paintings witnessed significant growth. Renaissance art techniques allowed for the creation of some captivating artworks that captured the time and ideals of the era. While Renaissance art eventually spread throughout Europe and remains very visible to this day, it should be noted that Italy, and especially Florence and Venice, was the birthplace of this art form, with names like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Sandro Botticelli and more at the forefront of mind-blowing artistic creations.
At this juncture, it is important to look at the factors that led to the emergence of the Renaissance era. Some of the factors that spurred the rise of the Renaissance include the emergence of intellectuals. The Crusades and the establishment of churches also contributed largely to the Renaissance, as most Renaissance paintings and sculptures were religious in nature and designed for the Church. In simpler terms, it could be said that the Church was the primary customer. A booming economy fuelled by the trade of merchants was also a factor. The feudal system and the ever-increasing number of nobles who enjoyed buying Renaissance artworks could also be cited as contributing factors. While there were many factors that fuelled the rise of the Renaissance, the role of Italian Renaissance painters and the overall contribution of Italian Renaissance art cannot be trivialized.
Exploring the Peculiarities of Renaissance in Italy
School of Athens
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While Renaissance painting spread throughout Europe, it is worth mentioning that it all began in Italy. It can be asserted that the places with the strongest Renaissance were Florence and Venice, and a plausible explanation is that these cities were major centres of trade. More importantly, the strong Renaissance fervour in Italy owed much to the abundance of intellectuals with an understanding of theology, philosophy, astronomy, science, literature and more. The printing press only served to embolden the Renaissance as the literature and writings of famous Italian intellectuals became widespread and accessible to many. Great scholars like Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) made major contributions: his works, writings and teachings on humanism encouraged the abandonment of superstition and doctrine while encouraging appreciation for humanity, critical thinking, and learning. In a similar manner, Niccolò Machiavelli, whose intellectual accomplishments are revered to this day, was amongst the numerous writers who fanned the flame of the Renaissance. This historian, politician, and philosopher offered some of the most powerful quotes and earned a reputation as the father of modern political science.
Venice
Florence
In other fields, there were major advancements with the emergence of many experts like Donato Bramante, Raphael, Filippo Brunelleschi, Michelangelo and more in architecture. In the context of Renaissance art, there were many who contributed significantly through commendable mastery and some of the most intricate Renaissance art techniques, like sfumato by Leonardo da Vinci. Other techniques like foreshortening and chiaroscuro became prevalent in the area as well and were used together and independently to create masterpieces.
The discourse on Italian Renaissance artworks would be incomplete without mentioning certain figures. In like manner, the list of famous Renaissance artists would be incomplete without Giotto di Bondone. This artist was born at the dawn of the Renaissance era, and he is often attributed to the pre-Renaissance era. Most of his paintings were on religious themes and were created for the Church. He was celebrated for breaking away from the widespread Byzantine style. Some of his great works include the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, whose wall-painting cycle depicts the Life of the Virgin and the Life of Christ. He is believed to have been born in 1267 and died at age 70. Giovanni Boccaccio was a writer who revived ancient Roman and Greek language and culture, which had been in decline. Through his literature and writing, he contributed immensely to the growth of the Renaissance.
Donatello
Michelangelo
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Image via http://www.rochester.edu
The outbreak of the pandemic known as the Black Death, which devastated much of Europe and wiped out as much as forty percent of the population, had a profound impact on the spread of Renaissance fervour. Another factor that held back the Renaissance was the fact that most nations in Europe were constantly at war. These factors slowed down the pace of the Renaissance, but not for long. The 15th century saw some of the most impressive Renaissance fine art. In this regard, Lorenzo Ghiberti makes the list of famous Renaissance artists as a sculptor of renown. Famed for his creation of the Florence Baptistery doors known as the Gates of Paradise, he contributed immeasurably to Renaissance art with some of the most striking sculptures. His life spanned from 1378 to 1455. Just like Lorenzo, Filippo Brunelleschi was a sculptor of renown with many great works. He was also an architect and acknowledged as the foremost modern engineer.
His works include remarkable sketches of machines, Madonna and Child works dated 1402, 1405 and 1410, as well as the Crucifix. His life spanned from 1377 to 1446. When talking about Renaissance sculpture, it would be unfair not to mention Donatello. He lived from 1386 to 1466 and remains one of the most celebrated sculptors ever. While he had many sculptures that were celebrated at the time, he was best known for the Penitent Magdalene, the equestrian statue of Gattamelata and, most importantly, the bronze statue of David.
Sandro Botticelli
Raphael
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Tommaso di Ser Giovanni di Simone, popularly known as Masaccio, is in fact one of the greatest fresco painters ever! Some of his most cherished works include the Holy Trinity (1428), the San Giovenale Triptych (1422), the Portrait of a Young Man (1425) and many more. While his career as a painter was short, he was actively involved in many masterpieces and earned his place as one of the greatest Italian Renaissance painters.
At this time, most Renaissance artworks were ordered and bought by the Catholic Church. However, the Church was soon joined by nobles, government officials and the upper class of society. It is within this context that you will find the Medici, a powerful ruling family and lovers of Renaissance artwork. Piero and Antonio del Pollaiuolo, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli and more were some of the many artists who were part of the Medici court.
At the peak of the Renaissance were the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, and Raphael Sanzio. These Italian Renaissance painters created some of the most famous Renaissance art while adopting powerful Renaissance art techniques.
From the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the sculptures of David, Bacchus and the Madonna of Bruges by Michelangelo, to the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, the Vitruvian Man and Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo, and The Marriage of the Virgin, Saint George and the Dragon, La Donna Velata, the Transfiguration, the Sistine Madonna and the School of Athens (1511) by Raphael Sanzio, all of these works and more showed the peak of Renaissance art and are, in fact, some of the most famous works of the Renaissance.
Places with mild renaissance
The Garden of Earthly Delights
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The influence of the Renaissance spread throughout Europe; however, not all countries were affected to the same extent. While elements of the Renaissance, its techniques and style, with a theme of humanism alongside strong religious elements, fuelled many art forms, the degree of this influence was sometimes very low. In the works of the Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch, a painter of renown, the Renaissance element could be felt, but very mildly. While his works had religious themes, they were often hard to decipher and explain with accuracy. His works include The Haywain Triptych (1500–1515), The Garden of Earthly Delights and Christ Carrying the Cross (1516). From the works of Joachim Patinir and Pieter Aertsen, it could be seen that Renaissance art had taken a new dimension but was still evident in all of their art forms.
Techniques utilized by Italian Renaissance painters
The Last supper
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The Renaissance saw the emergence of many artists who created impressive artworks and masterpieces. Their techniques were often learned and could only be used effectively by seasoned artists with great mastery. The various techniques used in the creation of Renaissance artworks include fresco. Fresco was achieved through a blend of water and pigments, which is then applied to wet plaster. The pigment is soaked up into the wall painting because it binds with the plaster. While the painter needed to be very fast for the technique to be implemented properly, its upside is seen in the area of durability.
Tempera was another technique used in the Renaissance period; it required the blend of pigment and egg to create long-lasting paint. While painters had very few colours to work with, this painting form was used extensively until the close of the 15th century.
Venus birth
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While oil paints were prevalent in many parts of Europe, their popularity in Italy only peaked at the close of the 15th century. While frescoes didn't have as much visual appeal, this other technique was particularly more vivid and offered an extensive assortment of colour options.
The use of foreshortening was relevant in creating perspective and was extensively used in Renaissance artworks. The idea is to shorten the depicted length of an object or figure seen at an angle, so that it appears to recede into the depth of the picture.
Sfumato was a Renaissance technique that was used in the creation of many masterworks, and it was the favourite technique of Leonardo da Vinci. It eliminates sharp outlines by blending tones and colours.
Chiaroscuro was also heavily adopted in Renaissance painting and utilized light and dark shades to create contrast and heighten effects.
Exploring the association between Renaissance art and humanism
The Creation of Adam
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Renaissance humanism could be best explained as a strong fervour and movement towards learning, the acquisition of values and the expansion of human knowledge. This ideology was, in fact, the direct opposite of the more conservative and dogmatic society that characterized human associations before the 13th century. Renaissance humanism seeks to promote reasoning and knowledge. Owing to the introduction of new ideas and concepts in various fields and undertakings, the art of the time also became greatly influenced. Art was no longer meant for aesthetic appeal alone; it was also meant to stimulate thinking and share values. Art took on a much deeper meaning than ordinary beautification. Moreover, art began to challenge your views and opinions while stimulating your thoughts and intellect.
Art shaped religion, science and many other aspects of human learning. It emboldened humanism and made the ideology readily accessible to art lovers.
Frequently asked questions
When did Renaissance art begin?
Renaissance art emerged shortly after the Middle Ages and spanned roughly the 13th to the 16th century. It began in Italy before spreading throughout Europe.
Why did the Renaissance start in Italy?
Florence and Venice thrived on trade and had an abundance of intellectuals in theology, philosophy, science and literature. Commissions from the Church, wealthy merchants and nobles such as the Medici also fuelled artistic creation.
What techniques did Renaissance painters use?
They used fresco (pigments on wet plaster), tempera (pigments mixed with egg) and, from the late 15th century in Italy, oil paint. Foreshortening, sfumato and chiaroscuro helped create depth, soft transitions and contrast.
Who are the most famous Renaissance artists?
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael represent the peak of the Renaissance. Giotto, Masaccio, Donatello, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi and Botticelli also played major roles.
How is Renaissance art linked to humanism?
Humanism promoted reason, learning and the expansion of human knowledge. Art was no longer meant only to beautify: it aimed to stimulate thought, share values and challenge the viewer's opinions.
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