Renaissance and Baroque Styles

       Art has seen introduced the world to many styles from traditional garments to regional artwork.

Two styles that made an impact were the Renaissance and Baroque styles. 

The renaissance period ran from 1300 to the 1700s. The word renaissance means ‘’  rebirth. ’’ In this time a lot of artists were entrapeneurs ranging from philosophical works to architect and human anatomy. Some famous renaissance artists consisted of Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli and many many more.

  During the renaissance Italian architects, sculptors and painters sought to integrate christian spiritual traditions with the rational normality of physical life in an earthly space by studying light and anatomy while applying geometry to their art. Through the use of linear perspective they applied geometry to the logical construction of implied space creating depth and three dimensional visuals.

These studies and techniques led to inspire and help the growth of science. 

One amazing renaissance artwork named The Tame Magpie by Alessandro Magnasco completed around 1707-8.

This painting really portrays the depth of space with receding scenery. The artists made sure that the figures in the front were large and appeared close while the figures in the back get smaller and smaller as it recedes giving the viewer a sense that the image is not flat. Another detail is that the colors seems to be stronger and bolder in the front while the background colors seem to be fading away making it seem distant and unclear.

The Baroque period was estimated to have occurred from 1600 to 1770. The Baroque were inspired by the renaissance period. Using the techniques learned and adding more drama, emotions and energy. They didn’t rely so much on geometry and harmony and balance of the figures in their art but instead they focused more on lighting, shadows and use of space. Baroque artwork is famous for their uses of curves and counter curves. The artists would use directed light and strong contrasts to guide the viewers attention and intensify the art. Naturally giving it a sense of realism. 

A very intense baroque artwork I have seen is an oil on canvas titled, ‘’ The Denial of Saint Peter ‘’ by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. It was made in the year 1610. Caravaggio was an Italian painter.

The painting depicts Peter denying Jesus after his arrest. This is a perfect example of baroque style from the lighting to emotion on the subjects faces. The light is focused on key body parts which detail the facial expression and sentiment. You can see the wrinkles of stress in Peters forehead and the look of uncertainty in the woman face staring at the guard. It gives the viewer the feeling that they are witnessing an argument and worry from Peters end. 

       These great periods have inspired many works and it is truly a blessing to have these works and teachings for the knowledge and insight they share!