End of the Quarter

During this quarter I enjoyed studying Early Northern Renaissance art and High Italian Renaissance art. When viewing art I am naturally first intrigued by visual details of a piece, and the harmony within. In the 15^th century, artistes were rendering extremely detailed paintings that focus on naturalism and humanism which appear picturesque. High Italian Renaissance art incorporates classical ideals, such as idealism, perfection and anatomy. Overall my two favorite artists from this quarter are Jan Van Eyck from Early Northern European Renaissance art and Michelangelo from the High Renaissance art.

I really enjoyed learning about Jan Van Eyck, his paintings are very harmonious. Eyck’s paintings seem well thought out, he considers every element, and each color complements the others. He painted a self portrait in 1433, Man in a Red Turban; this shows his rich color choice. The painting also conveys that Eyck could capture a presence when painting portraits. In 1434 he painted The Arnolfini Portrait that suggests a presence of a woman whom Eyck never encountered. The Arnolfini Painting expresses every tiny detail, from the fur of their dog to the miniature details on the frame of the mirror. Again Eyck surprises views, the Ghent Altarpiece show how the artist was able to turn wood panels into a portal to another world. Religious characters like Adam seem to be coming out of the painting with naturalism, truly utilizing lighting effects. As the centuries go on Early Renaissance art develops into High Renaissance art.

As time went on, Renaissance ideals of naturalism, idealism, illusionism and anatomy are refined in High Renaissance art. Michelangelo is not only an amazing painter he also created many beautiful sculptures. One of which was Pietà, this sculpture captures a youthful, idealized Christ. Naturalism is still a key element in High Italian Renaissance art. One of Michelangelo’s life achievements was painting Sistine Chapel ceiling, 1508-1512. The ceiling portrayed hundreds of figures that have near perfect anatomy. Each scene has a religious message, with natural scenery. He utilizes illusionism with foreshorten limbs, especially seen in the Creation of Adam. I thought it was extremely interesting that in a May 2010 article said Michelangelo depicts a section of the brain in the Separation of light and darkness; it could be a way to advertise and prove his education. I think it is visually appealing that Renaissance artists incorporated Classical ideals of perfection and idealism. Renaissance figures are modeled naturally, utilizing contrapposto in some cases. Figures are idealized with perfect anatomy. Michelangelo’s David sculpture has the anatomy of a young god, with lots of attention in musculature. Renaissance art uses Classical elements to enhance visual appeal.

Throughout the quarter I found it interesting to see the transition of art from the Early Renaissance period to19th century art. It is also intriguing how art has been affected by patronages, the Catholic Counter reform, and change in ideals like the Enlightenment.  Jan Van Eyck’s paintings stood out to me because visually they are balanced, and he uses complimenting colors. Michelangelo’s work was so interesting to me because he starts from such a young age and over to years he becomes an extremely talented artist.