Art

Home > History by Chronology > Renaissance > Art

Artistic styles, techniques, and notable artists of the Renaissance such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Renaissance Art: The arts that were created during the Renaissance period in Europe, which spanned from the 14th century to the 17th century.
Italian Renaissance Art: The artistic creations that emerged during the Renaissance period in Italy, which was considered the heart of the Renaissance movement.
Flemish Renaissance Art: Artistic creations from the Northern European region during the Renaissance that had a distinctive style and reflected the intellectual and cultural developments of the period.
Renaissance Artists: Artisans who created works of art during the Renaissance period, which included famous individuals such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
Renaissance Art Styles: The different styles and techniques that were used by Renaissance artists, including perspectives, chiaroscuro, and sfumato.
Renaissance Architecture: The distinctive style of architecture that emerged during the Renaissance period, which included a return to classical forms and motifs, proportion, and symmetry.
Renaissance Sculpture: The creation of art forms that emerged during the Renaissance period, which was characterized by a return to classical themes, naturalism, and realism.
Renaissance Painting: One of the most popular forms of art during the Renaissance period, which gave rise to some of the most enduring art forms and styles in history.
Renaissance Art Philosophy: The intellectual and cultural movements that impacted art during the Renaissance period, including the humanistic philosophy that emphasized individualism, reason, and classicism.
Renaissance Art Patronage: A system through which patrons sponsored artists' creations during the Renaissance period, and often played a significant role in shaping the style and subject matter of the works that were produced.
Painting: One of the most famous forms of visual art, painting uses pigments and colors to create images on a surface. The Renaissance period saw the emergence of new styles and techniques, such as the use of linear perspective.
Sculpture: This type of art involves carving or shaping materials such as stone, clay or marble to create three-dimensional objects such as statues or reliefs.
Architecture: Renaissance architecture is characterized by its symmetry, proportion, and use of mathematical principles. It was heavily influenced by classical Roman and Greek design and often featured domes and grand facades.
Printmaking: This type of art involves creating images on a matrix, such as a metal or wooden plate, which is then transferred onto paper. The Renaissance saw an explosion in printmaking, with artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt van Rijn producing exquisite prints.
Drawing: Drawing involves creating images with lines, often using pencils or charcoal, and can be both a finished artwork and a preparatory sketch for other forms of art.
Tapestry: Tapestries are created by weaving together different colored threads to make a picture or image. They were popular during the Renaissance in the form of wall hangings or decorative furniture covers.
Illuminated manuscripts: Books that were individually hand-copied and illustrated on parchment or vellum. They were often decorated with gold leaf, painted scenes, and elaborate calligraphy.
Mosaic: Mosaics are created by arranging small pieces of glass, stone or ceramic tiles to create an image or pattern. The Renaissance period saw the revival of this ancient art form, with intricate mosaics often used to decorate churches and other public buildings.
Fresco Painting: Fresco painting involves applying pigments to a wet plaster surface. The colors become part of the wall and are extremely durable. This technique was widely used in churches and public buildings during the Renaissance.
Metalwork: This type of art involves creating objects such as cups, bowls, and jewelry from metal, often embellished with intricate patterns and engravings. The Renaissance saw some of the greatest metalwork ever produced, including Benvenuto Cellini's gold saliera (salt cellar).
"The Renaissance art emerged as a distinct style in Italy in about AD 1400."
"Renaissance art emerged in parallel with developments in philosophy, literature, music, science, and technology."
"Renaissance art took as its foundation the art of Classical antiquity, perceived as the noblest of ancient traditions."
"[Renaissance art] transformed that tradition by absorbing recent developments in the art of Northern Europe and by applying contemporary scientific knowledge."
"It spread throughout Europe, affecting both artists and their patrons with the development of new techniques and new artistic sensibilities."
"For art historians, Renaissance art marks the transition of Europe from the medieval period to the Early Modern age."
"The body of art known as 'Renaissance art' was primarily produced during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries in Europe."
"The combined influences of an increased awareness of nature, a revival of classical learning, and a more individualistic view of man influenced Renaissance art."
"Scholars no longer believe that the Renaissance marked an abrupt break with medieval values…"
"The French word renaissance literally means 'rebirth'."
"In many parts of Europe, Early Renaissance art was created in parallel with Late Medieval art."
"The body of art, including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and literature identified as 'Renaissance art'…"
[it] spread throughout Europe, affecting both artists and their patrons with the development of new techniques and new artistic sensibilities."
"[Renaissance art was influenced by] an increased awareness of nature…"
"[Renaissance art was influenced by] a more individualistic view of man."
"[Renaissance art] transformed that tradition by absorbing recent developments in the art of Northern Europe…"
"The body of art known as 'Renaissance art'… under the combined influences of an increased awareness of nature, a revival of classical learning, and a more individualistic view of man."
"Renaissance art emerged as a distinct style… in parallel with developments in philosophy, literature, music, science, and technology."
"Renaissance art marks the transition of Europe from the medieval period to the Early Modern age."
"The body of art known as 'Renaissance art' was primarily produced during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries in Europe."