Medieval art

Medieval art was a diverse artistic movement that spanned from the fall of the Roman Empire
in 476 AD to the early Renaissance in the 14th century. It was influenced by the Roman Empire,
early Christianity. Medieval art was often inspired by biblical concepts, Catholic mythology (
Stories of angels and demons

- Legends of saints and their miracles) and human experiences.

Artistic mediums

Medieval art was created in a variety of mediums, including sculptures, frescos, mosaics, and
stained glass.

Sculptures

Medieval artists often created statues for cathedrals (church) and state buildings to depict
messages from the Bible. These sculptures often depicted Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, and
Saints.

Early Middle Ages

The Early Middle Ages lasted between the 5th and 10th centuries. It saw a decline in
population, increased migration, and a decline in trade. The effects of the crisis of the Roman
Empire were visible among the people. The lack of communication systems made it difficult to
exchange views and ideas.

High Middle Ages

The High Middle era lasted from the 11th to 13th centuries following the Early Middle Ages.
Urbanization and population growth brought a social and political shift in the society. The
emergence of various art styles led to cultural and artistic developments.

Late Middle Ages

The Middle Ages preceded the Renaissance period in the early 1500s. The constant calamities,
famines, and wars marked the end of the Middle Ages. There was a loss of gained new
knowledge and information. Despite the crisis, it was a time of progression in medieval art and
culture. The Late Middle Ages paved the way for the reformation and revival of the society.

Renaissance
Define Renaissance?

"Renaissance" is a French word that means:

1. Rebirth 2. Revival 3. Rediscovery

. A sense of rebirth in the arts, sciences, and philosophy.

The term "Renaissance" refers to the cultural and intellectual movement that took place in
Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Artistic Innovations: The Early Renaissance saw significant artistic innovations, including the
development of perspective, the use of sfumato, and the creation of more realistic and
humanistic depictions of the human form.

The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci is the best example of this techniques.

Time period completed in 1508:

Medium: oil on wood

Leonardo's mysterious painting shows the Virgin Mary with Saint John the Baptist, Christ's
cousin, and an angel. Leonardo's use of contrasting light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro,
creates a gloomy environment that makes the figures' faces and bodies seem spot-lit. This
technique emphasizes their divine beauty.

what was the main key aspects of the Renaissance?

1. Humanism: Focus on human experience, individualism, and classical learning.

2. Revival of classical culture: Study and emulation of ancient Greek and Roman texts, art, and
architecture.

3. Artistic innovation: Development of new techniques, styles, and forms in art, literature, and
music.

During the Renaissance (14th-17th centuries), artists innovated and refined various techniques,
revolutionizing the art world. Here are some key artistic techniques innovations:

Linear Perspective: Developed by Leonardo da Vinci, linear perspective created a sense of

Sfumato: Leonardo da Vinci's sfumato technique created soft, hazy effects by layering thin
glazes of paint.

Chiaroscuro: strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic, three-dimensional e

Here are some key figures of the Renaissance:

Artists:

1. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

2. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)

3. Raphael Santi (1483-1520)

4. Titian (c. 1488-1576)

Humanism Philosophy

Humanism was an intellectual and cultural movement that emphasized the potential of human
beings. it was all about thinking highly of people and their abilities. People looked back at
ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration and learned to think critically and explore new ideas.
They also celebrated individuality and freedom. This period had a huge impact on the way we
think today and inspired many famous artists and thinkers like Michelangelo and Leonardo da
Vinci.

The Renaissance inspired people to think critically in several ways:

Revival of classical knowledge: The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in classical texts, which
encouraged people to question and analyze established beliefs.

Humanism: Humanist ideals emphasized the potential and agency of individuals, promoting
self-directed learning and critical inquiry.

Artistic innovations: Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo pushed boundaries,
encouraging experimentation.

Scientific discoveries: Breakthroughs in science, such as Galileo's telescope, challenged

Education and literacy: Expanded education and literacy rates enabled more people to engage
with classical texts, leading to a broader culture of critical thinking.

Curiosity and wonder: The Renaissance spirit of curiosity and wonder encouraged people to
ask questions, explore, and investigate.

These factors combined to create an environment that valued critical thinking, creativity, and
intellectual exploration, inspiring people to question authority, challenge assumptions, and seek
knowledge.

Leonardo da Vinci was not only a artist but a polymath comment

. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was indeed a true Renaissance man - an Italian polymath who
made lasting impacts in various fields, including:

1. Art: A renowned painter, sculptor, and draughtsman, famous for works like the Mona Lisa and
The Last Supper.

2. Science: A pioneering scientist, making groundbreaking discoveries in anatomy, physics,

3. Engineering: A visionary engineer, conceptualizing flying machines, armored vehicles, and

Mona lisa

Leonardo da Vinci began painting the Mona Lisa completed in 1503. A painting that represents
the perfect proportions of the human body, It was seen through mediums of both art and
humanities with literature. The Mona Lisa painting done by Leonardo Da Vinci during the
renaissance is an excellent example of how individualism became a major focus during this
time. The painting presents a woman in half-body portrait. The painting also features a distant
landscape in the background. Leonardo da Vinci’s used his famous sfumato technique.
“Sfumato” means “soft” in Italian, which accurately describes the delicate, hazy and slightly
blurred effect of da Vinci’s painting.

Last supper

The Last Supper has been depicted in various artistic works throughout history, including
Leonardo da Vinci's famous mural painting.

The Last Supper is the final meal Jesus shared with his twelve apostles before he was betrayed
and arrested, ultimately leading to his crucifixion. According to the New Testament, this meal
took place in Jerusalem.

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) was indeed a true Renaissance man - a sculptor, painter,
architect, poet, and humanist. As a humanist, Michelangelo he saw his art as a way to express
the beauty, dignity, and potential of human beings. Michelangelo's art often focused on the
individual human form, emphasizing uniqueness and personal expression.

Some of Michelangelo's most famous works that reflect his humanist ideals include:

Description and Analysis:

1. "David" (1501-1504) - a sculpture created during Italian Renaissance that embodies the
humanist ideals of strength, beauty, and individualism. The sculpture is carved from a single
block of marble. David's facial expression is calm and focused, conveying a sense of
determination and confidence. David stands in a relaxed, contrapposto pose, with his weight
shifted onto his right leg. This pose creates a sense of tension and potential energy. "David"
showcases Michelangelo's innovative approach to sculpture, which emphasized naturalism,
realism, and emotional expression.

Description and Analysis:

2. "Sistine Chapel ceiling" (1508-1512) - a fresco (Creation of Adam)

The painting depicts the scene from the Book of Genesis, where God creates Adam, the first
man. Its showcasing Michelangelo's technical skill and humanist themes of creation and
humanity. The fresco features a vibrant color palette, with blues and golds dominating the
scene. The painting is rich in symbolism, with God representing the divine, and Adam
representing humanity.

Michelangelo's work that showcases his technical skill and humanist themes of compassion and
empathy.

4. Titian (c. 1488-1576)

Titan, also known as Tiziano Vecellio, was a Renaissance artist and humanist. As an artist, he
was a renowned painter, known for his vivid and expressive use of color, masterful composition,
and ability to capture the human form. Some of his most famous works include:-

"Bacchus and Ariadne" (1520-1523) -

It is one of Titian's most celebrated works and a masterpiece of Venetian Renaissance art. The
painting features a dynamic composition, with Bacchus (god of vine) in Roman mythology and
Ariadne positioned in the center, surrounded by a retinue of mythological creatures. Titian's use
of color is characteristic of Venetian Renaissance art, with rich, vibrant hues and subtle
gradations of tone.

As a humanist, Titan was influenced by the intellectual and cultural movement that emphasized
the potential of human beings to achieve great things through education, reason, and
individualism. He was known to have been interested in classical culture, literature, and
philosophy, and his art often reflected these interests.

Raphael Santi (1483-1520)

Raphael Santi (1483-1520) was a prominent Italian artist and architect of the High Renaissance.
He is considered one of the greatest painters and architects of all time, and his work had a
profound influence on the development of Western art.

Raphael's art often conveys a sense of human emotion and empathy, reflecting the humanist
focus on the individual's experiences and feelings. Raphael's art often incorporates elements of
nature, reflecting the humanist interest in the study of the natural world and the potential of
human beings to understand and describe it.

The School of Athens

The painting depicts a gathering of some of the greatest minds of ancient Greece, set against a
backdrop of a grand architectural structure. The scene is arranged in a harmonious and
balanced composition.

Figures: The painting features over 50 figures, including some of the most influential thinkers of
ancient Greece, such as:

1. Plato 2. Aristotle 3. Socrates 4. Euclid 5. Ptolemy

The Age of Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment had a profound impact on art, leading to the development of new
styles, themes, and techniques. The Age of Enlightenment had a profound impact on Western
society, shaping modern democracy, human rights, and scientific inquiry. Its emphasis on
reason, individualism, and progress continues to influence contemporary thought and culture.
Here are some key ways in which the Enlightenment influenced art:

1. Neoclassicism: The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, order, and classical ideals led to the
development of Neoclassicism in art. Artists Jacques-Louis David drew inspiration from ancient
Greek and Roman art and architecture. He had a profound impact on art, leading to the
development of new styles, themes, and techniques. Here are some key ways in which the
Enlightenment influenced art:

"Oath of the Horatii"

Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) was a French painter and a leading figure in the Neoclassical
movement. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters of the 18th century. The
painting depicts a scene from ancient Roman history, where three brothers from the Horatii
family are about to engage in a battle against three brothers from the Curiatii family. The
composition is divided into two main groups: the Horatii brothers on the left, and their father
and womenfolk on the right. The painting features a muted color palette, with shades of brown,
beige, and gray dominating the scene. The only bursts of color come from the red cloaks worn
by the Horatii brothers.

Realism and Accuracy: Enlightenment thinkers emphasized the importance of observation,

The Third of May 1808 in Madrid is a painting completed in 1814 by the Spanish painter
Francisco Goya. The painting is rich in symbolism, with the lanterns representing the light of
freedom and the darkness representing the oppression of the Napoleon's army. The victims are
depicted as martyrs, symbolizing the struggle for independence and liberty.

The lighting in the painting is dramatic and intense, with a strong contrast between light and
dark. The lanterns in the center of the canvas cast a warm glow on the scene, while the
surrounding darkness creates a sense of tension and foreboding.