The Sistine Chapel continues to influence artists today.
Renaissance art refers to works created during a specific period beginning in the 14th century and ending in the 17th century, according to "Webster's New Explorer Encyclopedic Dictionary." European art produced during this era includes paintings, sculptures and architecture all based on revival of artistic ideals, changing economic and political situations and various influences that have affected contemporary art and all European-based cultures.
Location
The Renaissance developed throughout Europe, blossoming first in Italy in the late 1200s to the early 1300s, according to the "History of Renaissance Art Throughout Europe." By the time the movement reached England, it was coming to an end in Italy. During a three-century stretch, the ideals and artistic advents of the Renaissance spread to the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and what was then the Byzantine Empire, and was considered a universal concept by the 16th century, according to "The Renaissance and Mannerism in Northern Europe and Spain."
Subject Matter
The "History of Renaissance Art Throughout Europe" states that the artists of this period focused on subjects such as nature, religion, mythology, society, politics, ethics and current history. Artists focused on realistic portrayals, depicting subject matter (especially people) in the most natural way possible. While borrowing classical ideas, artists found a new passion for creativity. Some artists focused on curving lines, blending and a softening of features to emphasize a sense of realism, while others optimized use of color to utilize dimensional features as a way to communicate through their art.
Painting
Portraits and landscapes, crafted with the perfection of oil painting, mark Renaissance art, according to "The Renaissance and Mannerism in Northern Europe and Spain." Artists utilized soft lines and curves, focusing on flesh and fabric, adding three-dimensional attributes to figures. They also manipulated spatial arrangements to convey hierarchy or direct a viewer's attention to a certain point or message. In religious paintings, the book explains that the images are depicted in a way to influence worship, not just to portray a person or object.
Artwork of the European Renaissance also included mosaics and enamel pieces. Renaissance works often contain gold and red coloring, especially in religious works. Artists used many earth tones as they embraced humanism as a major theme. Some artists, such as Matthias Grunewald, Hans Baldung Grien and Albrecht Durer, capitalized grotesque characteristics to add a radical element during this movement.
Sculpture
Bronze and marble pieces, focusing on soft textures and humanism, define Renaissance sculpture. Michelangelo's sculpture "David" is probably one of the most famous Renaissance sculptures, depicting a quiet strength and a focus on accurately portraying the ideal human form. Artists also worked with reliefs to create elaborate doors, statues, tombs and other pieces of decorative architecture.
Architecture
Renaissance architects, like Leon Battista Alberti, optimized Roman and Greek techniques, expanding on the use of arches and columns. Architects were facing the challenge of using circles, arches and spherical composition in elaborate designs, implementing the popularity of the dome.
