Renaissance Art Essay

The ‘Rebirth’ of a Century

The renaissance was a time of rebirth. This was a time where people could redefine themselves. Art and literature changed from catering to higher society to being broadcast to all classes of that time. The renaissance was a movement that brought a new aspect to literature and art that was unheard of before this time. Before the renaissance became a widely accepted movement, the church was the main sponsor of art and literature (Obsfeld 148). During this time churches were no longer shaped like a cross (Renaissance art). The church architects began to use a circle to represent the perfection of god and all he created (Renaissance art). Medieval artists were primarily concerned with theological issues (Perspective).

A distinguishing characteristic that formed in the renaissance was the emergence of individualism (Osmond). The artist of the renaissance were determined to go where there private thoughts and emotions led them, even if it went against the previous beliefs (Obsfeld 147). Artwork was no longer just a depiction of a holy topic; it encompassed a wide variety of topics (Renaissance art). The most important change in technique was the use of perspective. Renaissance painters began to use more realistic images in there painting that those used in the Middle Ages (Renaissance art). The art of the renaissance portrayed life as an attractive experience with an equal balance of both hardships and pleasure (obsfeld 147). Courtiers were extremely conniving with their use of language. They begun to intertwine double meaning and sly wit to protect their interest from those that felt threatened by its existence. This created literature that was bold, sweeping, innovative, and trend setting (Renaissance). The invention of the printing press contributed to a wide spread of trend setting literature. It was able to print books at a

Luther wrote his famous ninety-five thesis with defiance to the leadership of the Pope (Dennis). When Martin Luther challenged the authority of the Pope, it was seen by many as an attack on the papacy and therefore on the church (Dennis). The printing press was instrumental in making the ninety-five thesis so famous (Renaissance).A poet and writer that has made a huge impact on the way we view literature is the famous William Shakespeare. The style of communication used by William Shakespeare’s diverse characters originated in the court of English royalty (Renaissance). Shakespeare elevated the English language to a level of splendor that previous generations would not have deemed possible. Along with his use of the English language, he is also highly regarded for his ability to shift between comedy and tragedy. His plays display a range of complex character study to light-hearted farce (Renaissance). Shakespeare’s work displays verbal pyrotechnics that is seldom seen in even modern time (Renaissance). These writers changed the way we see words and our view of the world. The reformation created a giant movement that