renaissance 5 Flashcards
What were the main influences on High Renaissance art?
Humanism – Emphasis on classical ideals and intellectual inquiry.
Rediscovery of Classical Antiquity – Inspired balance, proportion, and harmony.
Protestant Reformation (1517) – Challenged Catholic Church authority, leading to religious tensions.
Political Shifts – Power struggles, rise of nation-states, and patronage of rulers.
Economic Growth – Enabled wealthy patrons (Medici, Sforza, Popes) to fund the arts.
Scientific Advancements – Increased focus on anatomy, nature, and perspective.
What made Leonardo da Vinci a “true Renaissance man”?
Mastered multiple fields: painting, anatomy, engineering, botany, and physics.
Innovated with atmospheric perspective and chiaroscuro (light-dark contrast).
Introduced sfumato – a soft, misty transition between tones.
What are Leonardo’s most famous works and their significance?
The Last Supper (1495–98) – Fresco in Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.
Masterful use of one-point perspective (converging lines lead to Christ).
Psychological depth – each disciple reacts differently to Jesus’ words.
Mona Lisa (1503–06) – Portrait of Lisa Gherardini.
Example of sfumato, creating a mysterious, lifelike effect.
Iconic ambiguous expression and engaging gaze.
Vitruvian Man (1490) – Study of human proportions.
Based on Roman architect Vitruvius’ theories.
Symbol of the intersection of art and science.
Anatomical Studies – Highly detailed human body drawings.
Based on dissections, showcasing precise understanding of anatomy.
How did Michelangelo view sculpture compared to painting?
Believed sculpture was superior to painting because it imitated divine creation.
Saw the sculptor as someone who “frees figures from stone.”
Name and describe Michelangelo’s most important works.
David (1501–1504) – Marble statue representing the biblical hero before battle.
Idealized, heroic pose influenced by classical Greek and Roman art.
Psychological tension in face and muscular form.
Sistine Chapel Ceiling (1508–1512) – Frescoes in the Vatican.
Creation of Adam – Famous depiction of God giving life to Adam.
Monumental figures, dramatic poses, and powerful anatomy.
The Last Judgment (1536–1541) – Fresco on the Sistine Chapel’s altar wall.
Expressive, muscular bodies convey intense emotion and movement.
Depicts the Second Coming of Christ and final judgment of souls.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome (1547–1564) – Architectural masterpiece.
Expanded upon Bramante’s design.
Influenced later Baroque architecture.
What were Raphael’s artistic strengths?
Balanced composition and graceful figures.
Mastery of perspective and ideal beauty.
Clear, vibrant colors influenced by Leonardo & Michelangelo.
What are Raphael’s most famous works?
- School of Athens (1509–1511) – Vatican fresco depicting ancient philosophers.
- Madonna in the Meadow (1505–1506) – Idealized depiction of the Virgin Mary.
Uses pyramidal composition for balance.
*Galatea (1512–1514) – Fresco for Villa Farnesina, inspired by mythology.
Figures in dynamic movement, capturing grace and energy.
- Pope Leo X with Two Cardinals (1518–1519) – Detailed portrait.
Rich textures and meticulous realism reflect Netherlandish influence.
Symbolic display of Medici power and wealth.
How did Mannerism differ from High Renaissance art?
Exaggerated forms
Complex compositions
Unnatural colors
Emotional intensity
What was Michelangelo’s contribution to urban planning?
Redesigned Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) in Rome.
Emphasized geometric harmony.
Created a central oval piazza, a new concept in urban design.
How did Michelangelo’s and Raphael’s styles differ?
Michelangelo Raphael
ntense, heroic figures Elegant, graceful figures
Dramatic emotion Balanced harmony
Focus on sculptural form Master of perspective
Spiritual significance Classical clarity & beauty
Terribilità (sublime power) Soft, idealized faces
Why is the High Renaissance considered a peak in Western art?
Achieved unparalleled balance, proportion, and perspective.
Artists mastered human anatomy, light, and movement.
Influenced later movements like Baroque and Neoclassicism.
What are the key artistic techniques developed during the Renaissance?
Linear Perspective
Atmospheric Perspective
Chiaroscuro
Sfumato
Foreshortening
Contrapposto
Who is depicted on the Tomb of Julius II, and what are the key features?
Moses – Seated, holding the Tablets of Law, with an intense expression and flowing beard, showcasing emotionalism.
What does the Tomb of Giuliano de’ Medici symbolize?
It represents the soul’s ascent through Neo-Platonic levels of the universe.
What is the main theme of the Sistine Chapel ceiling?
Creation, the Fall, and Redemption of Humankind (Genesis-based scenes).
How does the ceiling reflect Renaissance influences?
Classical composition and symmetry.
Emphasis on human form and movement over facial expressions.
Architectural framework unifies the composition.
How are souls depicted in “The Last Judgment”?
The saved rise toward Heaven.
The damned fall with demons torturing them.
Virgin Mary is already in Heaven, positioned on Christ’s right side.
What was Bramante’s influence on Renaissance architecture?
He revived Classical forms.
Influenced by Brunelleschi and ancient Roman structures.
What was the key feature of Bramante’s St. Peter’s Basilica plan (1505–1506)?
A centralized church design with a Greek cross (equal-length arms) and a large dome over the crossing.
Who was the most influential Venetian architect?
Andrea Palladio (1508–1580).
What was Palladio’s major architectural work?
Villa Rotonda – featuring a central plan and Roman-style porch.
What is an example of Palladio’s church design?
San Giorgio Maggiore, blending classical elements with dramatic lighting.
