1. Some Key Principles of the
Renaissance
• Imitation of nature
• Desire to surpass classical models in quality
• Rationality and empirical knowledge
• Reconciling these other goals with
Christianity
• Arts innovation through trade, travel,
growing patronage
2. Some Key Principles of the
Renaissance
• Imitation of nature
• Desire to surpass classical models in quality
• Rationality and empirical knowledge
• Reconciling these other goals with
Christianity
• Arts innovation through trade, travel,
growing patronage
3. Principles of the Renaissance
Imitation of nature
– Giotto’s study of live models, animals, etc
– Realistic human anatomy and proportion
– Development of linear perspective
– Atmospheric perspective
– Contrapposto figures in sculpture and painting
4. Giotto di Bondone. Marriage at Cana, Raising of Lazarus, Lamentation, and
Resurrection / Noli Me Tangere. 1305–1306. Each scene approx. 6’ 5" × 6’.
9. Principles of the Renaissance
To surpass classical models in quality
– Ad fontes – back to Antique sources in texts and
rediscovery of artworks
– Revival of Humanism as a philosophy placing
interest of humans as focus of life
– Embrace of nude male figure in art
– Return to Classical orders in architecture
10. Lysippos. The Weary Herakles (Farnese Hercules).
A Roman copy by Glykon of the 4th-century BCE bronze original. Height 10’ 6”.
12. Hagesandros, Polydoros, and Athenodoros of Rhodes.
Laocoön and His Sons. Probably the original of 1st century BCE or
a Roman copy of the 1st century CE. Height 8’.
15. Principles of the Renaissance
Rationality and empirical knowledge
– Realistic human anatomy and proportion
– Development of linear perspective
– Sophisticated compositions often idealized or
emphasizing interaction between figures
– Embrace of symmetry and proportion in design
– Technical innovations in materials (bronze, oil
paints), new theories and writing about art
(Vasari, Alberti, Durer)
18. Principles of the Renaissance
Christianity as major theme
– Subjects include Saints, Biblical characters
– Religious commissions for churches, chapels
– Reconciling religion with Classical ideals
(Ancient Greeks and Romans came before
Christianity)
35. Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo
Florence Cathedral
(1296-1470)
Three Renaissance artists:
Giotto (1334-59) Campanile
Fillipo Brunelleschi (1420-40)
Dome
Lorenzo Ghiberti
(1401-1452) Baptistery doors
40. Masaccio, Tribute Money fresco in Brancacci Chapel (1425-28) Sainta Maria del Carmine,
Florence, Italy
Continuous narration: Apostle Peter shown in three separate moments in unified composition
One-point perspective
41. Inscription:
“I was once what you are; what I am, you
will be.”
Masaccio. Trinity with the Virgin,
St. John the Evangelist, and
Donors.
c. 1425–1427/1428. 21' × 10’ 5”.
42. Donatello, Saint Mark (1415)
Florence, Italy
Contrapposto stance
Iconography of the saints
58. Hagesandros, Polydoros, and Athenodoros of Rhodes.
Laocoön and His Sons. Probably the original of 1st century BCE or
a Roman copy of the 1st century CE. Height 8’.