Italian Renaissance
The Italian Renaissance is widely regarded by historians as a cultural golden age, referring to the high amount of positive impact the era had on Italy. Although the Italian peninsula was greatly divided at the time, the coastal city-states greatly prospered from foreign trade due to the increased amount of interest on Italian art, architecture, and culture. Occurring within the 14th and 16th centuries, the Italian Renaissance is the source of many famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. The Italian Renaissance movement provides emphasis on the nature of the male body, as well as the revered architecture of the Roman and Greek empires. Other characteristics involve the emphasis on the greatness of social status, wealth, and power.
David - Michelangelo
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One of Michelangelo's most famous works, his statue of David is often regarded by historians as the prime example of the ideals of the Italian Renaissance. The sculpture portrays the ideal male, revisiting art styles of the Classical Greco-Roman era.
Citation: "V&A Cast Collection." V&A. N.p., n.d. Web. .
Mona Lisa - da Vinci
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An Italian Renaissance work that needs no introduction, the Mona Lisa highlights the importance of people and nature, rather than just religion. It is still unknown to the world who da Vinci meant to portray within the painting.
Citation: "The Mona Lisa." Italian Renaissance Art.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
Creation of Adam - Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo
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Just a small portion of the entire work, Michelangelo's massive painting covers the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The religious overtones collide with the romanticism of the human body, labeling the work as an ideal masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.
Citation: "Michelangelo's Creation of Adam - ItalianRenaissance.org." ItalianRenaissanceorg. N.p., 14 Sept. 2012. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
Dome of Florence Cathedral - Florence
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An emphasis on the greatness of man began to be portrayed within buildings throughout Italy, such as the Florence Cathedral. The massive dome points upwards toward Heaven, revered throughout history for its outspokenness: it is almost as if it were saying "Look at us! We love God and love money!"
Citation: "Florence Cathedral's Dome, Italy." Brunelleschi's Dome: Florence Cathedral. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
School of Athens - Raphael
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The scene depicted by Raphael revisits the Greek Classical Era and adds a European taste to the individuals. The outlook of different philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, is portrayed within the work.
Citation: "Web Gallery of Art, Image Collection, Virtual Museum, Searchable Database of European Fine Arts (1000-1900)." Web Gallery of Art, Image Collection, Virtual Museum, Searchable Database of European Fine Arts (1000-1900). N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
Saint Peter's Basilica - Vatican
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The most famous Roman Catholic Church in the world, the Basilica was built atop of Saint Peter's grave, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is a prime example of the demonstration of the Italian Christian's love of power and God, expressing to the world that Christendom is the greatest path to take in the world. Citation: "Saint Peter's Basilica (Rome) (1506-1626)." Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome: History, Architecture. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
Hercules and the Centaur Nessus - Giovanni da Bologna
Duke Cosimo I - Benvenuto Cellini
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Cellini portrays Cosimo I de' Medici in a Roman-styled battle dress, comparing his might to that of the Roman Empire's (an element that has definitely never appeared before across history).
Citation: "Renaissance Sculpture from Florence and Rome." Italian Renaissance Art.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
The Last Supper - da Vinci
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da Vinci adds a European element to the final hours of Jesus Christ, romanticizing Christian values. This was very popular among Italian citizens, for it brought them closer to their ideals of Jesus.
Citation: "THE LAST SUPPER, LEONARDO DA VINCI, MILAN, ITALY - INFORMATION AND BOOKING." The Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
Moses - Michelangelo
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Michelangelo created a seated Moses as the center of a monument of a tomb. He also created sculptures of other biblical figures. His depiction of Moses as an older, strong man with a beard represents his view of God.
Citation: "Michelangelo Gallery." Moses by Michelangelo, Moses Sculpture. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .
Citations:
"Renaissance Art." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.<
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/497788/Renaissance-art>
"Renaissance Art." History. A&E, n.d. Web. <http://www.history.com/topics/renaissance-art>
"Renaissance Art." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.<
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/497788/Renaissance-art>
"Renaissance Art." History. A&E, n.d. Web. <http://www.history.com/topics/renaissance-art>