The document discusses the cultural foundations of the Renaissance by examining influences from ancient times and the medieval period. It describes how Renaissance art was inspired by classical Greek and Roman works that were being rediscovered, featuring realistic human forms focused on subjects like mythology and philosophy. Medieval art that followed the fall of Rome incorporated Christian traditions and differed in style, as seen in the Bayeaux Tapestry, bas reliefs, and Gothic cathedrals. Examples of Renaissance artworks then show a revival of realism and classical subjects influenced by newly discovered ancient works.

1. The Renaissance Cultural Foundations

2. Ancient Times We can see the cultural legacy of previous times in the art and learning of the Renaissance- As a “rebirth” of the classical period of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, whose lost works were being rediscovered in the West from the 12th Century onwards via contacts with the Byzantine Empire and Arab scholarship. These works included art, architecture, literature, philosophy and science. Much of this knowledge had been lost in the West when the Western Roman Empire had been over run by Barbarian invaders in the 5 th Century (A.D. / C.E.)

3. Sculpture is perhaps the most well known form of Ancient Greek art of the Classical period (circa 500- 300 B.C.) Above are two famous statues, Lycoon and the Discus Thrower What do you notice about subject matter, style and form.? What is being celebrated?

4. Classical Architecture The Parthenon, the temple of Athena in Athens built in the 5 th Century Find out a little about this building and it’s significance Look at the bas- relief from the Parthenon and the section of the famous mosaic of Alexander. What do you notice about these art works?

5. Bas Relief

6. Alexander the Great mosaic

7. Medieval Art After the fall of the Roman Empire in the West to barbarian invaders, much of the knowledge of the ancient world was lost The Medieval society which emerged was a mixture of Roman, Germanic and Christian traditions . New artistic styles developed after the 5 th Century, which reflected these changes in both western Europe as well as in the Eastern or Byzantine Empire based in Constantinople. Look at the art works I have chosen from the 11 th to the 13 th centuries all from western Europe Note carefully how Medieval art works appear to differ from the classical period

8. The Bayeaux Tapestry 1080’s

9. Medieval Bas- relief

10. Notre Dame

11. Painting- late medieval

12. Margaret of Cleves.

13. Some Renaissance Examples

14. David

15. Birth of Venus- Botticelli

16. The Last Supper

17. Renaissance Art Note the subjects of Renaissance Art- relate to the subjects depicted in the 2 earlier times How are humans portrayed and compare with the 2 earlier forms? From viewing these pictures what things do you think are influencing Renaissance Art?