How Did Renaissance Influence Art

Humans have been painting and creating art for thousands of years. It first began in prehistoric times, when symbols were painted in caves as a way of communication, and has evolved into modern art. Throughout the centuries art has been widely influenced by the trends and events occurring in society. The rediscovery of ancient art and literature, study of anatomy, and the Protestant Reformation, shaped the art of the Renaissance. Neoclassicism was shaped by the Age of Enlightenment, fascination with Roman art and revolutions around the world. The world was in shambles after World War I, which caused war refugees wanting to escape reality, thus influencing the art movement of Dada. The Renaissance began in the early 1400s in Florence, it was
Sandro Botticelli, an Italian artist known for his golden-haired maidens, which have similarities to Byzantine art. Botticelli’s nude paintings epitomized the Renaissance, these were some of the first, outside of the influence of Christianity. One of his most famous paintings is the “Birth of Venus”, which is a nude painting of a woman in a seashell, shows his attention to detail and his study of anatomy. Leonardo Da Vinci was another well-known artist and considered to be one of the most versatile geniuses. He constantly stressed the intellectual aspects of art and creativity and was obsessed with mathematical experiments. His notebook page, “In the Womb,” captures his theory of the growth of a human fetus in the womb. His illustrations were so accurate that they could be used in modern day. Leonardo’s many journals, including “In the Womb,” were inspired by the scientific research, especially the study of anatomy, that was so popular during this time period. Hieronymus Bosch was a
The Rococo style was very ornate and extravagant, while Neoclassicism was politically correct and serious. The Age of Enlightenment took place in the 18th century, where the faith in logic led to orderliness. In 1738, an archeology-mania had swept Europe, excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum had taken place. There was suddenly a fascination with ancient Rome and their art. Many paintings illustrated tales from ancient history and mythology. Several revolutions broke out during this time period, including the French Revolution, South American Revolution and Mexico gaining freedom from Spain. Paintings underscored the moral message of patriotism. Jacques-Louis David was a French painter who is considered to be one of the creators of Neo-Classicism. When on a trip to Rome, he saw classical art for the first time and was inspired. His work “Oath of the Horatii,” is inspired by the forthcoming French revolution, the mood of self-sacrifice is illustrated rather than self-indulgence. The new age of stoicism art was a form of propaganda for the republic. Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres was a star pupil of David, but he went even further than David in devotion to the ancients. His paintings were very Greek and preached logic. His painting, “Paganini” has photographic precision, which allows his portrait of Paganini to almost exactly duplicate his appearance. This painting