Classical, Medieval

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Classical, Medieval Renaissance Art
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Classical Art

• The classical period covered the height of the
  Greek culture and the Roman Empire, from its rise
  in 500 B.C. to A.D. 500. The people of these
  ancient societies developed many of the ideas
  that, today, make up our mathematics, science,
  literature, and art.

Forms of Art
The Purpose to show the importance of people
and leaders, as well as the gods and goddesses.

• Sculpture
• Painted Pottery
• Murals
• Mosaics

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Classical Statue of Venus Bathing
Faces are bland and calm, without emotion
Figures look idealized, perfect (Obviously for
the time period)
Scenes show heroic figures or real people doing
real tasks of daily life (Bathing in this case)
Bodies look active, move convincingly (Notice how
it seems she has just twisted)
Little background or sense of perspective (Not so
noticeable in a statue since you dont usually
have backgrounds)
Bodies are often nude, sometimes draped in togas
(You probably noticed)
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Grave Stele of Hegeso 400 B.C.
Figures look idealized, perfect (Obviously for
the time period)
Faces are bland and calm, without emotion
Scenes show heroic figures or real people doing
real tasks of daily life (Having a conversation)
Bodies look active, move convincingly (Notice how
their weight sits on them realistically) (For
instance she is leaning more on one foot.)

• Little background or sense of perspective
  (Nothing other than the arch)

Bodies are often nude, sometimes draped in togas
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Medieval Period

• The Medieval Period in Europe, which lasted
  roughly from A.D. 500 to A.D. 1400, was
  characterized by the rise of feudalism and the
  controlling power of the Catholic Church in
  peoples lives.

Forms of Art Sculptures Paintings Tapestries
Stained glass windows Illuminated manuscripts
Purposes To teach religion to people who cannot
read or write.
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Cimabues Madonna and Child in Majesty A.D. 1280
Faces are solemn with little emotion Paintings
use vibrant colors Flat, two-dimensional
painted figures Backgrounds a single color,
often gold, no interest in creating a realistic
space
Subjects mostly religious Figures look flat and
stiff with little real movement Important
figures are largest Fully clothed, draped in
deeply carved, stiff looking clothes
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The Bayeux Tapestry A.D. 1082
Faces are solemn with little emotion Paintings
use vibrant colors Flat, two-dimensional
painted figures Backgrounds a single color,
often gold, no interest in creating a realistic
space
Subjects mostly religious Figures look flat and
stiff with little real movement Important
figures are large Fully clothed, draped in
deeply carved, stiff looking clothes
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Renaissance
The Renaissance included a rebirth of interest in
Classical culture. It began around 1400 and
lasted until 1650. People rediscovered the
writings and artworks of the Greeks and Romans,
borrowed their ancient ideas, and combining them
in new ways.
Forms of Art Sculpture Murals Drawings Painti
ngs Architecture
Purposes To show the importance of people and
nature, not just religion.
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Titians Venus and Adonis A.D. 1550
Bodies may look active, moving Colors respond to
light that falls on them Interest in nature,
lots of natural detail Full, deep backgrounds
with perspective Paintings are symmetrical
(balanced on both sides)
Both religious and nonreligious scenes Figures
look idealized, perfect (Ideal for the
time) Bodies may be nude or clothed Real people
doing real tasks of daily life Faces express
what people are thinking
Notice the similarities to Classical Art
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Filippo Lippis Madonna and Child with Angels
A.D. 1406
Bodies may look active, moving Colors respond to
light that falls on them Interest in nature,
lots of natural detail Full, deep backgrounds
with perspective Paintings are symmetrical
(balanced on both sides)
Both religious and nonreligious scenes Figures
look idealized, perfect Bodies may be nude or
clothed Real people doing real tasks of daily
life Faces express what people are thinking
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Michelangelos Pieta A.D. 1475
Bodies may look active, moving Interest in
nature, lots of natural detail Simple triangular
structure yet there are many other angles and
lines within it. Faces express what people are
thinking (Marys expression is equal to the Mona
Lisa) (is it prayer or sorrow?)
Both religious and nonreligious scenes Figures
look idealized, perfect (Mary young for the
mother of a 33 year old.) Bodies may be nude or
clothed (Both in this case) Real people doing
real tasks of daily life (Holding the body of her
dead son)
The Classical Art form lifted to new heights.
Notice just how real this statue looks. The
fabric is a different texture than her skin.
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Characteristics of Classical Art

• Figures look idealized, perfect
• Bodies look active, move convincingly
• Bodies are often nude, sometimes draped in togas
• Faces are bland and calm, without emotion
• Scenes show heroic figures or real people doing
  real tasks of daily life
• Little background or sense of perspective (when
  distant objects look smaller and far away.)

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Characteristics of Medieval Art

• Subjects mostly religious
• Figures look flat and stiff with little real
  movement
• Important figures are large
• Fully clothed, draped in deeply carved, stiff
  looking clothes
• Faces are solemn with little emotion
• Paintings use vibrant colors
• Flat, two-dimensional painted figures
• Backgrounds a single color, often gold, no
  interest in creating a realistic space

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Characteristics of Renaissance Art

• Both religious and nonreligious scenes
• Figures look idealized, perfect
• Bodies may look active, moving
• Bodies may be nude or clothed
• Real people doing real tasks of daily life
• Faces express what people are thinking
• Colors respond to light that falls on them
• Interest in nature, lots of natural detail
• Full, deep backgrounds with perspective
• Paintings are symmetrical (balanced on both sides)