During the Middle Ages, art underwent a theocentric influence. At the end of this period, the Renaissance brought a radical change. Italian artists became interested in the art of Greek and Roman antiquity, which was more human-oriented. They found a new, more realistic source of inspiration.
Renaissance art places Man at the centre of the Universe
The Renaissance began in the 14th century in Italy and reached Europe in the 15th century. During this period, the perspective of things became more realistic and placed Man at the centre of the universe. This current of thinking has affected several fields:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Politics
- Science
- Art, which includes painting, sculpture and architecture, among others
The Renaissance period is distinguished above all by its art. Thus, it marks the end of the Middle Ages.
The characteristics of Renaissance art
During the Renaissance, art in general experienced a real upheaval. Following the example of the ancient Greeks and Romans, artists studied human anatomy and used living people as models. The statues respect the harmony of proportions. The same applies to portraits and paintings of people.
Nature was also a source of inspiration for painters. Oil painting came into existence during the Renaissance, a revolutionary technique that allowed painters to refine their work and give it greater clarity. The frescoes of the artists of the time were striking in their realism and unparalleled beauty. As for the architecture, it adopted arches, columns, domes and barrel vaults. Harmony of proportions, symmetry and clarity were emphasised.
The great names of the Renaissance
During the Renaissance, artists showed great genius. Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, architect, sculptor and mathematician. His most famous work is the Mona Lisa portrait. Michelangelo is known for his admirable frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
Hieronymus Bosch amazes, disturbs and leaves the viewer of his work The Garden of Delights in awe. The sculptor Donatello created a beautiful and moving statue of Madeleine Penitente. Rodin's The Thinker is an invitation to introspection. Pierre Lescot is the architect who initiated the Renaissance style of the Louvre Castle. The Château de Chambord was built in the pure Renaissance style, but it is not known who the architect exactly was.