The Italian Renaissance vs. the Renaissance in Northern Europe
The Italian Renaissance vs. the Renaissance in Northern Europe
The Renaissance is a time in history that is often discussed and referenced, but rarely defined. Literally meaning “re-birth,” it started in the late 1300s in Italy, particularly in Florence. It encompassed all areas of culture, from art to music to literature to medicine. The Renaissance can also be seen not just as a re-birth of culture but as a revival of culture. After the dark ages, the arts were finally flourishing again. People were interested in science. Many of what are now considered great masterpieces were created during this time. And, while this cultural revolution started in Italy, it did not take long for this process to begin in other places, such as Northern Europe. It is interesting to look at the difference in the work that came from different regions of Europe. During the Italian Renaissance, paintings became more realistic. Many artists studied anatomy. The major themes of paintings during this time were religion and mythology. A lot of paintings depicted scenes from the Bible. A new concept that developed during this time in Italy was linear perspective. This helped the artists to realistically show space. Oil paint was also introduced during this time. An example of an Italian Renaissance painting is “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. True to the Renaissance, this painting was of a religious scene and featured realistic figures. Like in many of his paintings, da Vinci carefully rendered the lighting to create the atmosphere. In the front of the painting, where the disciples are seated around Jesus, there is more light. The rest of the room is dimmer and more shadowy. Not long after the Renaissance began in Italy, it started to spread. People traded and bought artworks, and artists traveled. In the north, creating realistic figures also became an important focus. While the Catholic church held power in Italy, the Protestant Reformation was beginning to take place in
The Renaissance is a time in history that is often discussed and referenced, but rarely defined. Literally meaning “re-birth,” it started in the late 1300s in Italy, particularly in Florence. It encompassed all areas of culture, from art to music to literature to medicine. The Renaissance can also be seen not just as a re-birth of culture but as a revival of culture. After the dark ages, the arts were finally flourishing again. People were interested in science. Many of what are now considered great masterpieces were created during this time. And, while this cultural revolution started in Italy, it did not take long for this process to begin in other places, such as Northern Europe. It is interesting to look at the difference in the work that came from different regions of Europe. During the Italian Renaissance, paintings became more realistic. Many artists studied anatomy. The major themes of paintings during this time were religion and mythology. A lot of paintings depicted scenes from the Bible. A new concept that developed during this time in Italy was linear perspective. This helped the artists to realistically show space. Oil paint was also introduced during this time. An example of an Italian Renaissance painting is “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. True to the Renaissance, this painting was of a religious scene and featured realistic figures. Like in many of his paintings, da Vinci carefully rendered the lighting to create the atmosphere. In the front of the painting, where the disciples are seated around Jesus, there is more light. The rest of the room is dimmer and more shadowy. Not long after the Renaissance began in Italy, it started to spread. People traded and bought artworks, and artists traveled. In the north, creating realistic figures also became an important focus. While the Catholic church held power in Italy, the Protestant Reformation was beginning to take place in