Accessible Art History - Renaissance and Baroque

Introduction

• Comparing Renaissance and Baroque art periods
• Both cover similar subjects but stylistically different
• Focus on three major differences

Renaissance Overview

• Lasted: ~1300 to 1550 in Western Europe
• Marked by a 'rebirth' due to Eastern Roman Empire downfall
• Influences:
  • Scholars, artists, scientists fled West bringing lost knowledge
  • Archaeological digs uncovering classical art
• Key Artists: Raphael, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo

Baroque Overview

• Followed Renaissance, starting mid to late 16th century
• Named 'baroque' meaning complex/different
• Influences:
  • Counter-Reformation: Catholic Church used art/architecture to counter Protestantism
  • Art to celebrate history/miracles of the Church
• Key Artists: Peter Paul Rubens, Caravaggio, Bernini, Velasquez

Differences Between Renaissance and Baroque Art

Composition Techniques

• Renaissance: Aim was balanced composition
  • Example: Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'
    • Christ centered, symmetrically placed disciples, use of mathematical composition
• Baroque: Used dynamic, dramatic compositions
  • Example: Caravaggio's 'The Entombment of Christ'
    • Diagonal composition, gradual story unfolding, dramatic effect

Use of Light

• Renaissance: Uniform and soft light
  • Example: Raphael's 'La Belle Jardinière'
    • Warm, soft lighting, uniform, depicting holiness
• Baroque: Manipulative light for narrative effect
  • Example: Caravaggio's 'Madonna di Loreto'
    • Use of shadows and highlights, creating narrative depth

Emotion in Art

• Renaissance: Contained emotion
  • Example: Michelangelo's 'Pietà'
    • Serene, calm despite tragic context
• Baroque: Dramatic and expressive emotion
  • Example: Bernini's 'Ecstasy of Saint Teresa'
    • Dramatic, expressive, telling mystical story of the Catholic Church

Conclusion

• Renaissance and Baroque: Popular periods in art history
• Despite differences, both resonate deeply with viewers
• They appeal to different aspects of human nature and understanding of the world