AP Art History
EARLY RENAISSANCE ART IN EUROPE
Early Renaissance Art Outside of Italy
Introduction-Early Renaissance art in northern Europe remained essentially Gothic primariy due to the fact that the artists of the north were not surrounded by classical antiquity. In the north, the International Style of the late 14th century will give way to powerful realism.
- Northern painters evolved from manuscript illuminators
- The social hierarchy remained unchanged with nobles and clergy dominating a rapidly growing middle class.
- Some artists experimented with oils and glazes that allowed for the creation of richer colors.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORTHERN PAINTING
- Deep, intense tonality
- Newer colors that seemed to glow from within
- hard, enamel-like surfaces
- Hard edged, sparkling clarity of detail-artists were intent on rendering the appearance rather than the structure behind the appearance
- French Courtly Style
PAINTING-The French love for personal and intimate works had set the tone for the International Gothic style. The openness of Gothis architecture provided few continuous wall spaces for frescos. French artists of the 15th century had a long tradition of using deep colors, worked into tiny intricate patterns.
CHARACTERISTICS-typically 15th century paintings were of charming subjects, in graceful poses and sweet facial expressions. The artists showed a concern for naturalistic detail. They also used bright, pastel colors with touches of gold.
- Pucelle, Jean-David Before Saul, page from the Belleville Breviary, c1325
- Limbourg Brothers-Tres Riches Heures, 1413-16
- Broederlam, Melchior-Annunciation and Visitation/Presentation and Flight into Egypt, Chartreuse de Champmol, 1394-99.
SCULPTURE-The Carthusian monastery founded by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, was a lavish project intended to house the family tombs.
- Sluter, ClausWell of Moses, Chartreuse de Champmol, 1395-1406
- Flemish Art (p.619-34)
The people of Flanders (modern day Belgium) enjoyed great wealth and prestige due to an extensive wool trade and banking. The financial center of Bruges was also the political capital for the Duke of Burgundy.
PAINTING-The roots of Flemish painting can be traced to full page manuscript illuminations created at the end of the 14th century. There were three leading Flemish painters: Robert Campin, Jan van Eyck, and Rogier van der Weyden. These three artists, along with a group of second generation panel painters, such as Petrus Christus, Dirck Bouts, and Hans Memling, attracted many followers Campin, Robert (Master of Flemalle), Virgin and Child Before a Firescreen, c1428
- Campin, Robert (Master of Flemalle), Merode Altarpiece, (fig.17-5), c1425-28
- van eyck, Jan, Ghent Altarpiece, (fig.17-7 & 17-8), 1432
- van eyck, Jan, Arnolfini Wedding, (fig.17-10), 1434
- van der Weyden, Rogier,Escorial Deposition, (fig. 17-110. c1435
- van der Weyden,Portrait of a Lady, (fig.17-13), c1460
- Memling, Hans, Portinari Altarpiece, (fig. 17-18), c1474-76
Early Renaissance Art in Florence
Introduction-Surrounded by classical antiguity, the artists of Florence had much to inspire them. The powerful Medici family had a tremendous influence on art produced in Florence during the first half of the 15th century, primarily in the role of patron.
Architecture
Florentine architecture of the early 15th century was dominated by the completion of the great cathedral that had been started over one hundred years earlier.
- Brunelleschi, Flippo, Dome of Florence Cathedral, (fig.17-30, 31, & 32), 1417-36
- di Bartolommeo, Michelozzo, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, (fig.17-34), Begun 1444
- Alberti, Leon Battista, Palazzo Rucellai, (fig.17-35), 1455-70
Sculpture
- di Banco, Nanni
- Ghiberti, Lorenzo
- Donatello
- della Robbia, Luca
Painting
Introduction-
- Gentile de Fabriano, Adoration of the Magi, (fig.17-45), 1423
- Masaccio, Trinity with the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and Donors, (fig.17-45), c1425
- Masaccio, Tribute Money
- Fra Angelico, Annunciation
- Fra Filippo Lippi, Virgin and Child
- Andrea del Castagno, Last Supper
- Paolo Uccello, Battle of San Romano
- Domenico del Ghirlandaio, A man and His Grandchild
- Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus
- Sandro Botticelli, Primavera (Spring)
Early Renaissance Art Outside of Florence
Introduction
Architecture
- Leon Battista Alberti, Church of Sant'Andrea
Sculpture
- Donatello
- Andrea del Verrocchio
Painting
- Piero della Francesca
- Andrea Mantegna
- Pietro Perugino
- Gentile Bellini
- Giovanni Bellini
