Renaissance, meaning ‘Rebirth’ in the French language witnessed three distinct time spans within the period 1400 – 1580 AD. However, it is of interest to note that the center of the Renaissance Movement in classical paintings was Florence, and the major patrons of this movement were members of the powerful Medici family.
Renaissance Periods, as defined by art historians, was the Early and High Renaissance (1400–1550); Venetian and Northern Renaissance (1430–1550); Mannerism (1527–1580).
The Renaissance was possibly the most important period of development that has ever occurred in European history. Known primarily for its impact on the art world, the Renaissance emerged as a movement that influenced literature, philosophy, music, science, and even technology. With the impacts of the Renaissance still felt in the world today, it unquestionably was a decisive force that cast light upon darkness and remains one of the most celebrated movements and remains of profound interest to both the artistic and general world community.
Thus, the Renaissance is recognized for initiating the change into the modern-day civilization that we know today, with many of history’s greatest thinkers, authors, philosophers, scientists, and artists coming from this era.
The central ideology that underpinned the Renaissance Period was the philosophy of Humanism.
The spirit of the Renaissance was initially expressed by a cultural and philosophical movement called humanism, which developed during the 14th century, and quickly gained momentum. Humanism is referred to as a method of education and mode of inquiry that began in Northern Italy before spreading to the rest of Europe. Humanism encompassed all those who belonged to the humanities school of thought including grammar, rhetoric, poetry, philosophy, and history.
Renaissance art and Renaissance paintings, sculpture, architecture, music, and literature were produced during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries in Europe under the combined influences of increased awareness of nature, a revival of classical learning, and a more individualistic view of man.
The most famous classical painters of this period included Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, who were known as the holy trinity of Classical Renaissance Painters.
Three of the most well-known and celebrated oil-on-canvas paintings and sculptures in history were produced by these three artists during the High Renaissance, namely: Statue of David (1501 – 1504) by Michelangelo, Mona Lisa (1503) by da Vinci, and The School of Athens (1509 – 1511) by Raphael. This period was known to be a time of exceptional artistic production. The High Renaissance lasted for about 35 years between the early 1490s to 1527.
Other most famous paintings in history were The Last Supper (1495 – 1498) by Leonardo da Vinci, The Creation of Adam (c. 1512) by Michelangelo, and The Birth of Venus (1485 – 1486) by Sandro Botticelli.
A short video clip is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om1jvUzVAtE for your information and appreciation.
This period of art, culture, music, philosophy, science, and architecture, developed over three centuries, saw European society leaping from the Dark Ages to the Age of Enlightenment. Central to the movement to modernity was the development of Renaissance paintings, produced by artists whose names have survived the tests of time.
Our website www.vvfag.com contains most of these brilliant paintings, oil-on-canvas reproductions, that will light up your home or office with the profound beauty of such breathtaking creations.
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