An introduction to the Renaissance art period, focusing on the art features and artists - Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo.

1. A Part of Art History
1400-
1700

2. The Renaissance
Is a period in history described as the “rebirth” – of
ideas, philosophy and culture.
During this time, there was a real move into an era of
literary, intellectual and artistic development.
The Creation of
Adam

3. What is Renaissance
Art?
The cultural and art movement (painting, sculpture and
decorative arts) that began in Italy and spread throughout
Europe, between 1400-1700. It was seen as a “rebirth” of
art style.

4. Features of
Renaissance
Art
• Christian focus
• Moved from frescoes (wall
painting) to easel or detached
painting on canvas
• Highly realistic figures
• Development of Perspective
• Mastered the use of
light/shadow
• Scientific – human anatomy
• Depicted the beauty of nature
• The art of oil painting was
mastered

5. What do the Renaissance and the
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have in
common?
The turtles are named after four famous Renaissance
artists –Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello &
Leonardo!

6. Raphael
The Artist
His art work, The School of
Athens

7. Michelangelo
The Artist
His artwork on the ceiling of The
Sistine Chapel, in The Vatican

8. Donatello
The Sculptor
His bronze sculpture, The
Equestrian Statue of Gattemalata

9. Leonardo
The Artist His artwork, The Mona Lisa

10. Research Task
His Life and Work

11. Getting to know: Leonardo da
Vinci

12. The Last Supper
Leonardo’s iconic painting is still being
referred to in pop culture:

13. The Last Supper parodies
Leonardo’s famous painting has been so ingrained in our
culture that it has even made an appearance in The Simpsons
episode “Thank God it’s Doomsday”.

14. Leonardo’s Sketch Books
Leonardo kept detailed sketch books, probably starting out as a
way for him to improve the quality of his paintings. These books
became a record of his life-long fascination with nature and his
genius for invention.

15. Leonardo’s Codex
After his death, Leonardo’s sketchbooks were taken apart and
organised by SUBJECT. Each new book created by this process was
a Codex.

16. Leonardo
Study
Use the internet to research
the life and work of Leonardo
Da Vinci.
In your groups, write down
facts on sticky notes that tell
who, where, when, what &
how about Leonardo.
Find examples of his works
that represent the range of
interest he covered –
painting, drawing, anatomy,
mathematics, inventions.
Draw a mind map outlining
our class responses to these
questions.