Throughout history, no art movement has had an impact as profound as Italian Renaissance art. Regarded as a golden age of art, music, and literature, the period has inspired creative for centuries, with iconic works by master artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo serving as muses.
Here, we explore the history and trace the trends of the revolutionary movement, paying particular attention to the aesthetic characteristics and artistic techniques that define it.
What is the Italian Renaissance?
The Italian Renaissance occurred between the 14th and 17 centuries in Italy. Derived from the word Rinascimento, or “rebirth,” the Renaissance is generally seen as an enlightened age of art and architecture due to a renewed cultural interest in classical antiquity.
“The Early Renaissance” denotes the period between 1400 and 1490, when artists like Fra Angelico and Botticelli began to experiment with realism.
Between 1490 and 1527, well-known Italian artists like Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael produced particularly celebrated works of art. This period of time is often referred to as the “High Renaissance.”
Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus (1480s) (Photo: Uffizi via Wikimedia Commons)
History
During the Dark Ages (approximately 500-1000 AD), Italian art was predominantly rooted in religion. In painting, this unique approach was characterized by spiritual iconography, flat compositions, unrealistic colour palettes, and ethereal, otherworldly figures. In the 1300s, however, Italian artists based in Florence abandoned this distinctive aesthetic and adopted a more humanist approach to art. This time of change would eventually be known as the Italian Renaissance.
While the exact impetus of the Italian Renaissance is not known, many scholars believe that the shift was due to economic instability, as 14th century Italy's lack of investment opportunities prompted wealthy individuals to instead fund the arts. This increased interest in art lasted for several centuries and had a profound influence on Italian painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Pietro Perugino, Cappella Sistina (ca. 1481-1483) (Photo: via Wikimedia Commons)
Italian Renaissance Art
PAINTING
In painting, this new approach manifested as realistic depictions of people, as evident in Leonardo's iconic Mona Lisa. Using sfumato—a technique in which the artist forgoes bold outlines for soft, blurred edges—as well as realistic shadows and aerial perspective, Leonardo was able to produce a humanist and seemingly secular portrayal of a contemporaneous female figure.
Furthermore, unlike Medieval paintings—which often convey figures “floating” against ethereal backdrops—Renaissance scenes usually feature earthly backgrounds. In Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch, for example, the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist are placed in an ordinary, everyday scene in nature. This humanizes the holy family, culminating in a relatable and realistic depiction.
Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa (ca. 1503-1506) (Photo: Joconde Database via Wikimedia Commons)
FRESCOES
In addition to traditional works on canvas, Renaissance artists popularized another type of painting: the fresco.
Created by applying paint onto wet plaster, frescoes are valued for their matte aesthetic, richness of colour, and long-lasting nature. They often adorn large surfaces, like Raphael's School of Athens on the walls of the Vatican's papal apartments, and Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Raphael, The School of Athens (1511) (Photo: Vatican Museums via Wikimedia Commons)
SCULPTURE
Much like the figures in Renaissance paintings, sculptures produced during this period convey an interest in realism. This is particularly evident in Michelangelo's figurative sculptures, like his iconic David statue. Employing contrapposto, or “counterpose,” David showcases a realistically balanced posture. Additionally, the figure exhibits lifelike features and a detailed anatomy
This interest in realism and balance is also apparent in Michelangelo's Pietà, a dramatic sculpture of the Virgin Mary with her crucified son.
Michelangelo, David (ca. 1501-1504) (Photo: Jörg Bittner Unna via Wikimedia Commons)
ARCHITECTURE
On top of the fine arts, the Renaissance style is also evident in architecture of the period. Led by Brunelleschi, the designer and architect behind Florence's famed duomo, or dome, Italian Renaissance architecture often conveys an interest in symmetry and balance.
Additionally, buildings of the era frequently feature columns, arches, and moulding, as evident in the ornate façade of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Filippo Brunelleschi, Florence Duomo (1436) (Photo: Petar Milosevic via Wikimedia Commons)
Legacy
Today, the Italian Renaissance is perceived as the pinnacle of art history. With an emphasis on balance and an appreciation for humanism, art produced during this period has influenced contemporary art, as evident in everything from depictions to lifelike sculptures. Additionally, many Renaissance masterworks have become fixtures in everyday life, appearing as everyday advertisements and art history accessories.
Source: mymodernmet.com
