The document outlines four main principles of the Renaissance: 1) Imitation of nature through realistic human anatomy, linear perspective, and atmospheric perspective. 2) Surpassing classical models through rediscovery of ancient sources and adoption of classical styles. 3) Rationality and empirical knowledge through technical innovations and theories about art. 4) Reconciling religious themes with classical ideals through subject matter depicting saints and biblical figures in classical styles.

1. Principles of the Renaissance
• Imitation of nature
• To surpass classical models in quality
• Rationality and empirical knowledge
• Reconciling these other goals with Christianity

2. 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

3. Giotto diBondone, Arena or ScrovegniChapel(1305–1306)
Padua, Italy Each scene approx. 6’ 5" × 6’.

5. 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

6. Michelangelo
Sistine Chapel Ceiling (1511-12)
“Temptation and Expulsion”

7. 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’.

8. 22-09
Michelangelo
David
(1501-03)

9. Raphael, School of Athens (1509-11)
Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican, Rome
http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/SchoolAthens.htm
22-17

10. 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)

11. Giotto (1303-6) and Leonardo (1490)

12. Raphael, Sistine Madonna (1512) Giotto, Ognissanti Madonna (1310)

13. 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)

14. Andrea Mantegna,
Saint Sebastian (1460)

15. Donatello, Saint Mark (1415)
Florence, Italy
Contrapposto
Iconography

16. 22-09
Michelangelo
David
(1501-03)

17. Pietrodella Francesca,
The Annunciation (1455)

18. Left: Masaccio. Trinity with the Virgin, St. John the
Evangelist, and Donors. Florence, Italy.
Fresco. 1425–1428. 21' × 10’ 5”.
Top: Workshop of Peter Hemmel von Andlau.
The Trinity with the Virgin, Saints John the
Evangelist, Stephen and Lawrence and a Donor
German, 1479. Oil on panel. 31 7/16” x 55 3/16”

19. 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

20. Jan van Eyck. Double Portrait of a Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife.
1434. 33 × 22 1/2”.

21. Jan van Eyck. Man in a Red Turban. 1433. 13 1/8 × 10 1/4”.

22. Rogier van der Weyden, Annunciation (1435-40) Flemish, oil on panel

23. Bruegel (the Elder), Peasant Wedding (1565)

24. Bruegel (the Elder), Netherlandish Proverbs (1559)

25. Leonardo da Vinci Vitruvian Man (1487)
Self-portrait (1514)

26. Leonardo da Vinci
Virgin of the
Rocks (1490)
Key terms for Leonardo:
•Sfumato
• Chiaroscuro

27. Leonardo da Vinci
Mona Lisa
(1503-06)