Renaissance paintings show figures in earthly settings; figures in medieval paintings have heavenly gold backgrounds.
The paintings of the Renaissance are less likely to emphasize everyday people and ordinary subjects. The subject matter is usually religious or along the lines of a grand theme.
Pre-Renaissance paintings were relatively flat compared to those of the Renaissance, and they often featured important religious figures. Little attention was given to body size, proportions, perspective, detail, and several other factors. When the Renaissance came around, naturalism and secularism were expressed in artistic creations. Artists began to stray away from religious events, though religion was still very important, and featured humans or figures of classical Greek and Rome in their works. Individualism was also expressed, each subject in the art holding a unique expression. Much more attention was placed on human anatomy and details of the human figure. This was a reason for several nude creations that were produced during the Renaissance.
The renaissance paintings were usually about religion. When different artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael emerged they started to pain different things such as nudism and other stuff that was not related to the bible. Popes really disliked this.
Paintings of the Renaissance are known for several characteristics that distinguish them from artworks of other periods. Some of the notable features of Renaissance paintings include: Realism and Perspective: Renaissance artists sought to represent the world as accurately as possible, using techniques such as linear perspective to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. Human Anatomy and Proportions: Renaissance painters, especially during the High Renaissance, were deeply interested in human anatomy and proportions. They studied the human body to accurately depict figures with naturalistic and lifelike qualities. Classical Influence: Renaissance artists drew inspiration from the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, incorporating classical themes, motifs, and architectural elements into their works. Chiaroscuro: Artists used chiaroscuro, a technique that involves the contrast of light and shadow, to create a sense of volume and depth in their paintings. Emotional Expression: Renaissance artists aimed to convey emotions and psychological depth in their figures, moving away from the flat and rigid portrayals of the preceding Medieval period. Religious and Mythological Themes: Many Renaissance paintings centered on religious subjects, such as scenes from the Bible or the lives of saints, but also included mythological narratives and historical events. Oil Painting: During the Renaissance, the use of oil paints became more prevalent, enabling artists to achieve richer colors and smoother textures in their works. Portraiture: Renaissance painters excelled in portraiture, creating realistic and expressive depictions of individuals from various social classes. Patronage: Much of the art produced during the Renaissance was commissioned by wealthy patrons, including the church, nobility, and wealthy merchants, which influenced the subject matter and style of the artworks. Artists' Signatures: Renaissance painters began signing their works, marking a shift towards recognizing individual artists as distinct creators. These characteristics collectively contributed to the distinctive style and legacy of Renaissance paintings, making them a significant and influential period in the history of art. Some of the renowned artists from the Renaissance include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and Jan van Eyck, among others.
how do the paintings compare in terms of their subject matter
The paintings of the Renaissance are less likely to emphasize everyday people and ordinary subjects. The subject matter is usually religious or along the lines of a grand theme.
Medieval literature was characterized by religious themes, chivalry, and feudal society, while Renaissance literature focused on individualism, humanism, and the revival of classical themes and forms. Renaissance literature also saw the rise of new literary genres such as the novel and the Shakespearean play.
it shifted from purly religious art to more inlightened art such as greek and roman myths and more personal paintings
Christian figures began to replace gods and goddesses from classical mythology as the subject of most paintings during the Renaissance period in Europe. This shift was influenced by the growing prominence of Christianity in European society and the patronage of the Christian Church for artistic works. Renaissance artists sought to depict biblical stories and religious themes with newfound realism and emotion.
Pre-Renaissance paintings were relatively flat compared to those of the Renaissance, and they often featured important religious figures. Little attention was given to body size, proportions, perspective, detail, and several other factors. When the Renaissance came around, naturalism and secularism were expressed in artistic creations. Artists began to stray away from religious events, though religion was still very important, and featured humans or figures of classical Greek and Rome in their works. Individualism was also expressed, each subject in the art holding a unique expression. Much more attention was placed on human anatomy and details of the human figure. This was a reason for several nude creations that were produced during the Renaissance.
Giulietta Chelazzi Dini has written: 'Pittura senese' -- subject(s): Italian Painting, Medieval Painting, Painting, Italian, Painting, Medieval, Painting, Renaissance, Renaissance Painting
Northern Renaissance versus Italian Renaissance Italian Renaissance's main medium were Frescos. In Northern Europe, they used oil. (See DaVinci's "The Last Supper" and Jan Van Eyck's "Arnolfini Wedding") During the Reformation and Counter Reformation, Italian painters made Catholic Church commissioned paintings. In the North, the paintings had far more secular subjects, and they had darker religious themes (if indeed the subject were religious). See artists/architects: Italian Renaissance Artists: Giotto, Donatello, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Boticelli, DaVinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Palladio, Caravaggio, Gentileschi*, Bernini* Non-Italian Renaissance Artists: Limbourg Brothers, Christine de Pizan, Campin, Van der Weyden, Durer, Grunewald, Bosch, Bruegel, Rubens*, Rembrant*, Vermeer* * indicates a post Renaissance theme (Mannarism, Baroque, etc)
Gary Remer has written: 'Humanism and the rhetoric of toleration' -- subject(s): Authors, Latin (Medieval and modern), Christian literature, Latin (Medieval and modern), Christianity, Christianity and literature, Classical influences, History, History and criticism, Humanists, Medieval and modern Latin prose literature, Political and social views, Religious aspects of Rhetoric, Religious tolerance, Renaissance, Rhetoric, Toleration in literature
Robert Oertel has written: 'Italian painting from the Trecento to the end of the Renaissance' -- subject(s): Italian Paintings, Paintings, Italian 'Italian painting'
Edgar Wind has written: 'Mysteres paiens de la Renaissance' -- subject(s): Art, Italian, Art, Renaissance, Italian Art, Mysteries, Religious, Religious Mysteries, Renaissance Art
Mirella Ferrari has written: 'Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts at the University of California, Los Angeles' -- subject(s): Catalogs, Medieval Manuscripts, Renaissance Manuscripts, University of California, Los Angeles. Library
Paul Lacroix has written: 'Dissertations bibliographiques, par P.L. Jacob' 'Le cymbalum mundi' 'The XVIIIth century' -- subject(s): Social life and customs, Manners and customs 'The Arts in the middle ages, and at the period of the renaissance' -- subject(s): Art, Medieval, Art, Renaissance, Medieval Art, Renaissance Art