This is a picture that shows all of the Italian cities of the Renaissance.
There were a wide variety of themes that were executed in Renaissance Art. Religious, mythilogical, and historical paintings were widely popular during this era. Most of the art was influnced by Greek or Roman styles of art and paintings. Decorative ornaments especially were influenced by Roman ideas. Art was also allowed to be a lot more provacative during the Renaissance ere. An artist who proved this to be true was Donatello.
Donatello's sculptures are considered "supreme expressions" of this era. They also had a dangerous influence on other artists during this time. His most famous work is the Bronze David, which is shown to the left. This sculpture is famous because it is the first unsupported work of bronze cast and the first freestanding nude male statue. During the renaissance artists were sponsored by wealthy families to construct works of art for them. This work of art was requested by the Medici family to be placed in the center of their courtyard. This sculpture was viewed with great controversy. There is a theory stating that Donatello may have been homosexual and was trying to express that sexual attitude through the statue. Sodomy was illegal during this time period ,so; the homosexual implication was very risky and dangerous. This statue showed the obvious changes from the medieval age to the Early Modern age.
One of the most famous artists of all time emerged from the Renaissance era. This internationally famous artist is Michelangelo.
One of the most famous painting Michelangelo completed was the fresco paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. These painting showed very classic Renaissance style of paintings. The main theme of the paintings was the Twelve Apostles but Michelangelo added some figures from classical myths. This humongous project was completed in less than four years. In these fresco paintings there are also a lot of nude figures. During the Renaissance period, nude figures and the human body were popular and depicted through many of artists work.
By the 15th and 16th century the Renaissance had spread through Italy and into France, Northern Europe, and Spain. Even after the Renaissance period declined the art work and styles of art continued through many generations and even into modern day.
Works Cited
"Donatello." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.
Gilbert, Creighton E. "The Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.
"Renaissance Art." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.
"Renaissance Art." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.
