1. The document discusses the evolution of realism in art from the Renaissance period to the 19th century, focusing on how artworks became more realistic in their depictions of the human form and natural environments through techniques like chiaroscuro and sfumato. 2. It analyzes two paintings - Titian's "Venus and the Lute Player" from 1560 and Alexandre Cabanel's "The Birth of Venus" from 1875 - noting how they depict the female nude in increasingly realistic ways through the use of scale, proportion, color, and technical skill. 3. The transition from periods like the dark ages to the Renaissance showed great advancement in artistic techniques and skills, demonstrating how analysis of

1. The Evolution of Realism
Art History 161-001
Yolanda Berry
11/30/2011

2. The Evolution of Realism
The gothic style influences of the dark ages created a rebirth of self- expression
during the Renaissance period of the 16th century. A new art form emerged which was
a new age in art history which birthed advancements in new techniques and art content.
Rome was the center of a civilized world. Spain and England started to colonize
and became a cultural dominant super power. It was a period of transformation in
literature, religion, architecture and the arts. The evolution of art expression created
strong influences in how we relate and visually communicate in our world today.
The use of iconography was a dominant factor in the Renaissance period. Artist
began to move away from symbolic-based origins, fantasy, mythological and religious
subject matter. They began to create more realistic paintings that portrayed the lifestyle
and culture of the time.
The advancement of materials was converted from frescoes to larger canvases.
They also used oil-based paint instead of tempura. Artist developed technical skills to
express stronger and more realistic images in relation to human proportions, scale,
harmony, balance and order.
The evolution of realism focused on an artistic technique called chiaroscuro
which was the development of using light and dark shadow effects. The use of sfumato
was used during the 16th century where artist would use muted tones to create natural
environments including hazy backgrounds instead of harsh lines and crisp shadows.
Also, the content of artwork changed from portrait images to landscape and scenic
views. Overall, the composition became a well-organized piece of subject matter.
The use of iconographic images led me to analyze and examine nudes. While
studying art history, I’ve noticed the transition of nudes from the dark ages to the
Renaissance period carries several symbolic messages, versions and replicas of
Venus. The woman “Venus” was symbolic of a Goddess of Love or Mother Goddess.
She was often painted as nude. The contrasting meaning of a nude often implicates
balance, prosperous and confidence. However, the term naked represented
vulnerability, sexuality, a sense of embarrassment, erotic, sinful, shameful or guilt filled
emotions.
When I visited the art museum, my first impression of the paintings was larger
than expected. It was interesting to view the broad range of techniques used during the

3. same periods of time. Most paintings were very flat and darkly shaded while others
where vibrant and used strong color to emphasize the paintings.
The early version of Titian’s, “Venus and the Lute Player,” which was created in
1560, displayed a reclining woman being crowned by Cupid. My eyes were drawn to her
stomach because her body was not painted as a sensual or exotic image of a woman.
Her belly was the focal point because the shape was very natural and realistic. The
stomach often was symbolic of fertility and procreation. Her facial expression seemed to
be aloft or drifting which appeared that she may have been thinking. Her hair was
pinned back which I believe the artist did not want the image to appear feminine or
sensual but more sophisticated which is also implied by using the draped pearls around
her neck. Also, the artwork has a combination of muted tones. However, the
background of the trees and the natural environment was accentuated by using brighter
colors which allowed the viewer to have a 3-dimensional perspective similar to peeping
in a window effect. The overall composition is well balanced and has order.
The painting of Alexandre Cabanel’s, “The Birth of Venus“, created in 1875, was
eye-captivating when I saw it across the room. I was quickly drawn like a magnet. The
scale of the woman was emphasized by painting a larger than life image of the woman
floating on top of the ocean which was illuminated and life-like. The painting used
vibrant colors and was saturated but did not use a lot of bright colors. The flesh tones
were very realistic and natural as well as the proportions of her body.
The subject had movement. Her long locks of reddish, curly hair floated on top as
well as beneath the surface of the rushing waves. The ocean created a 3-dimensional
illusion because of the depth and use of shading. The artist captured the viewer’s
attention by using scale and proportion which was emphasized in the piece of artwork.
All elements were integrated and well organized. There were five Cupids flying above
Venus which was going in different directions which added interest. The large canvas
used to paint the image also implied the monumental image of the Goddess. The artist
captured the viewer’s attention by using scale and proportion as well as color.
The perspective was a horizontal line which allowed your eyes to move across
the whole scope of the painting. It was a very smooth surface and well blended which
illustrated the artist’s technical skills in a highly finished piece of artwork.
I concentrated on the hair and waves which had such detail and rhythm. The
artist emphasized the meaning of power, strength and beauty within the scale of the
female body. She also seemed to be peaceful and relaxed. In contrast, the ocean was
active, harsh and rough with crashing waves. The underlying message that I received
was of a woman resting in peace in the midst of a storm.

4. The transition between periods has vividly shown the advancement in artistic
skills and technique. The evolution of realism displays the cross-cultural perspectives
and analytical qualities used to critique a piece of art work in today’s art community. The
impact of art history has been an influential part of a continuous cycle that will continue
to enfold new developments on how we express ourselves and communicate in our
visual world.