The Unique Art Produced During the Renaissance

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The renaissance or “rebirth” was a cultural awakening which spanned from the fourteenth to sixteenth century. A growing interest in humanist traits and classical ideas heavily influenced the art during the renaissance. A growing community of artists provided much needed competition for their profession. The renaissance introduced many different and modern ideas but also remained obedient to classical belief. The unique art of the renaissance spread throughout Europe. Northern European art differed tremendously from Italian art.
Art during the early renaissance time period was mostly commissioned by wealthy and powerful families. Ruling families were accepted by the average public. These families commissioned various and lavish artworks. It was also common for powerful families to have their personal chapel in their respective, local church. Therefore, many great paintings are located inside chapels. The most well-known chapel of the early renaissance is the Brancacci chapel, located in Florence, Italy. Masaccio’s Tribute Money dominates every other painting located inside the chapel. Masaccio depicts a moment from the New Testament, Matthew 17: 24-27, when Jesus is asked to pay tribute to his authorities. It is argued whether the painting is a sign of protest against taxation or is simply for viewer pleasure. The painting is ill-suited for public statements against taxation, because it is located inside a private chapel. Masaccio also illustrates a continuous narrative, which moves from center to left scene to the right scene. Lighting plays an important role in Masaccio’s work. The chiaroscuro is very active and is a strong force in the narrative. Masaccio illustrates the landscape with elements of atmospheric perspective. The ...

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...cessful winter; the fatigued dogs with their hanging heads further prove this observation.
The early and high Italian renaissance art differed tremendously from Northern European art. The main component of Italian artwork during the “rebirth” era was religion. Artists outside of Italy mainly focused on the everyday life and were popular because of technological advances. Political instability introduced powerful families and city-states that commissioned various artworks. A grand interest in humanism provided wonderful details in both sculptures and paintings. The only difference between Italian and Netherlands artwork seem to be the focus on religion. As public opinion was starting to get its deserved attention in the late sixteenth century, focus was now more on the everyday life, rather than depictions of narratives from The Old and New Testament.

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