We will begin our journey by viewing art from the Renaissance era.
Emerging in Italy between the mid 1300s – 1500s. The Renaissance produced some of the greatest artists in history.
Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli and Michelangelo produced works such as:
The ” Mona Lisa ” with her captivating gaze and mysterious smile. The wondrous ” Last Supper ” and the extraordinary ” Vitruvian Man “.
- Leonardo Da Vinci – was a true ” Renaissance Man “, an individual of ” unquenchable curiosity and ” feverishly inventive imagination. ” His interests included science, invention, drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, paleontology, ichnology and architecture!
The iconic masterpiece that is ” The Birth of Venus “, the controversial ” La Primavera ” and ” Mars and Venus ” symbolizing love overpowering war!
- Sandro Botticelli – besides being one of the most esteemed artists in Italy at the height of his fame was known for being quite smart, having a sharp wit and love of practical jokes when he was younger. Botticelli apparently earned a reputation as a restless, hyperactive and impatient child. However his talent for art was recognized and he was sent to work as an apprentice for several famed artists at the time.
The incredibly beautiful ” Pieta “, The majestic ” David ” and the legendary ” The Creation of Adam ” that happens to adorn the Sistine Chapel.
- Michaelangelo – was known for sculpture, painting, architecture and poetry. In his lifetime he was often called II Divino or ” the divine one “. Michaelangelo’s fresco ” The Last Judgement ” covers the whole altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. It took over 4 years to complete.
Here are my renditions of Leonardo’s ” Lady with an Ermine “, a portrait of da Vinci and my take of Botticelli’s ” The Birth of Venus. ” )
The Renaissance was not the easiest time for a woman to have success as an artist but there were several who did manage to overcome the cultural limitations of the time.
- Sofonisba Anguissola was born into a relatively poor noble family, she received an education that included fine arts. Working with local painters set a standard for women to be accepted as students of art. She was also introduced to Michelangelo as a young woman who recognized her talent. She worked for King, Philip II as the court painter and later continued to become a leading portrait painter.
- Levina Teerlinc was a Flemish Renaissance miniaturist who served as a painter to the English court of Henry VII, Edward VI and Mary I. She was the only active miniaturist of prominence in English court between 1543 – 1570.
- Sister Plautilla Nelli was a self – taught nun – artist and the first – known female Renaissance painter of Florence. Her most significant work because of its size and subject was ” Last Supper ” It is preserved in the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. It is also the only signed work by Plautilla Nelli known to survive.
- The last two artists I will spotlight from the Renaissance era are two of my favorites! Albrecht Durer and Hieronymus Bosch.
- Albrecht Durer was a painter, printmaker and theorist of the German Renaissance. The details in his fantastical woodcut prints and have greatly inspired my own drawing style.
- Hieronymus Bosch was a Dutch/Netherlandish painter who was known for his ” detailed – drenched and symbolic narrative renditions of the dance between heaven and hell. ” His work features make believe creatures, monsters and often macabre humans. Bosch”s most well known piece ” The Garden of Earthly Delights ” combines a world of dreams and nighmares in a fantastical masterpiece that is the ultimate feast for the eyes.
Thank you for checking out #SlayInspireCreate! Stay tuned for Wednesday’s post for links to awesome virtual museum tours as well as a list of Ebooks you can check out on the art/artists mentioned today!
