Art History Lecture Notes

The Northern Renaissance and Hans Holbein's 'The Ambassadors'

Key Points:

• Hans Holbein the Younger: Artist of 'The Ambassadors' painting.
• The Reformation: A time of political and religious change in Europe, leading to the separation of churches into Protestantism and Catholicism.
  • Protestant Beliefs: Focus on a religion that is transcendent, opposed to the worship of false idols.
  • Genre Paintings: Art depicting everyday life became common.

Analysis of 'The Ambassadors':

• Subjects: Two ambassadors depicted with items indicating travel and cultural exchange (maps, globes, Persian rugs, Aztec tiles, and a lute).
• Symbolism: The hymn notebook and the broken string on the lute symbolize religious disharmony between Protestants and Catholics.
• Anamorphic Image: The painting includes a skull that can be seen from a specific perspective, symbolizing death and the consequences of religious conflict.

Mannerism: An Art Movement

Key Points:

• Mannerism: Emerged after the High Renaissance, characterized by distorted figures and exaggerated proportions.
  • Examples: 'Venus, Cupid, Folly and Time' features distorted anatomy and symbolic, controversial relationships.
  • Tell-Tale Signs: Includes elements that indicate the artist is playing with the viewer's perception.

'Madonna with the Long Neck':

• Features: Exaggerated neck of Madonna, disproportionate baby Jesus, and odd elements like the small man at the bottom pointing out the unusual composition.

Late Renaissance and Titian

Key Points:

• Titian: An influential artist who painted through the High Renaissance into the Late Renaissance.
  • 'Concert on the Grass': Depicts contemporary Italian figures with Greek goddesses, symbolizing mythological themes.
  • Portrait of Renuccio Farnese: Demonstrates Titian's use of single light sources, leading to chiaroscuro techniques.
  • Late Works: Looser brushstrokes, increased energy, and emotional intensity.

Examples:

• 'Annunciation': Depicts the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary, with dramatic heavenly elements and emotional reaction.
• Tintoretto's 'Last Supper': Mixes religious stories with naturalistic settings, high contrast lighting, and emotional intensity.

Transition to the Baroque Period

Key Points:

• Baroque Influence: Late Renaissance innovations like chiaroscuro and emotional intensity influenced Baroque artists.
• Characteristics: Increased drama, movement, and use of light and shadow in compositions.

Important Developments:

• Integration of Reality and Storytelling: Combining realistic environments with religious narratives as seen in Tintoretto's works.

Summary

Understanding the developments from the Northern Renaissance through the Late Renaissance and Mannerism to the Baroque period is crucial for grasping the evolution of art and its impact on contemporary practices. The innovations in perspective, light usage, emotional expression, and integration of symbolic elements have shaped the trajectory of Western art history.