Italian Renaissance Art and Architecture: Key Features & Stages
Renaissance Art and Culture
The Renaissance was a cultural phenomenon that recalled the principles of classical antiquity through humanism. Humanism reassessed the dignity of the human mind, marking the philosophical and literary rebirth. It was an anthropocentric culture where beauty was based on measure, number, and proportion. Nature was represented with perspective.
It involved:
- Return to the characteristics of classical art forms, supported by Greco-Roman models.
- Finding perspective, rational representation of the landscape through linear and aerial perspective.
- Proportions between parts and the whole.
- Patronage changed the way we understand art, defining the artist’s role.
- In sculpture, the human body became the protagonist again.
Originating in Italy in the fifteenth century, it later spread throughout Europe, dividing into the Quattrocento and Cinquecento periods. Italy witnessed an explosion of creativity during this time. Artists evolved their language to break from the classic, employing elements outside the established rules, a style known as Mannerism.
The Renaissance in Italy
The Renaissance arose in Italy for several reasons: the persistence of the classical tradition, multiple patronage, a rich bourgeoisie, and a thriving culture. Key centers included Rome, Naples, Florence, and Venice.
Features of Renaissance Architecture
Renaissance architecture is based on urban design, where the city is the product of urban planning. Plans reflect geometric or radiocentric schemes, prioritizing the dominance of the building on the environment, creating an urban setting to accommodate the architectural work. Renaissance architecture revolves around two principles: the use of elements from old buildings, but used freely, and achieving spatial unity, treating the building as a result of mathematical calculation. Ornamental freedom prevails, with walls returning to their support function, though covered with marble. Decoration and fantasy, as in the grotesque, are common.
Stages of Italian Renaissance Architecture
The Quattrocento
Brunelleschi is a key figure, creating architecture based on principles of order, measure, and proportion. He is a typical representative of the Renaissance artist. Alberti is another important author from this period.
The Cinquecento
This stage developed a formal or monumental style based on measurement and equilibrium, remaining an anthropocentric model. It emphasizes soaking all twine.
Mannerism
From 1530, the balance of classicism was abandoned, breaking with the unitary Cinquecento. Classical vocabulary was employed in a free and capricious manner. Michelangelo was the first architect to break the classical language, submitting classical elements to a personal interpretation, using classical forms with complete freedom. Vignola and Palladio are other important authors.
Renaissance Sculpture in Italy
Renaissance sculpture was supported by classical nude models, with a taste for fine materials and a monumental and severe style. It applied a scheme of rationalism in proportion and symmetry, with a detailed anatomical study. A profane theme emerged, exalting the individual and moving towards art that seeks beauty of form and aesthetic pleasure. The nude returns with realistic and naturalistic features. The curve and counter-curve (marble, stone, cast bronze) are main features.
Quattrocento Artists
- Ghiberti: A humanist, architect, sculptor, and painter, highlighting “The Gates of Paradise” in bronze. He used high-medium-low relief to create depth.
- Donatello: Important figure who cultivated goldsmithing, architecture, and painting. He sought classical equilibrium and beauty, and a true expression of dramatic values.
Cinquecento Sculpture
The Cinquecento continued the classical sense of harmony, equilibrium, and the pursuit of classical balance, tension versus volumetry, grace and expressiveness versus idealism.