Defining Renaissance, Baroque, and Byzantine Art Styles

The Renaissance: Definition and Origin

The Renaissance is considered one of the most important cultural periods of mankind. It started to develop in Italy around 1400.

Application and Key Features

Renaissance principles were applied in the decoration of:

• Chapels and churches
• Atlases and books

General Features

The period perfected the effects of light and shadow and achieved a more accurate representation of volume and dimension.

Characteristics of Renaissance Painting

• Use of emotive expressions
• Freedom in the composition
• Accuracy in the details

Key Figures of the Renaissance

Leonardo da Vinci: The Universal Genius

Da Vinci represents the ideal of the universal man due to his mastery of different areas of knowledge. As a painter, he focused on studying the expression of the state of mind, the creation of environment, and anatomy.

Major Works

• The Virgin of the Rocks
• The Last Supper
• The Mona Lisa

Michelangelo Buonarroti

Michelangelo is considered one of the most important Renaissance figures: an architect, sculptor, painter, and artist.

Major Works

• The Final Judgment
• The Cycle of Creation (from Adam and Eve to Moses)

Baroque Art: Origin and Characteristics

Origin of Baroque Art

Baroque art originated in Rome.

Features of Baroque Art

A distinctive feature is its typological diversity, including:

• Funerary sculptures
• Religious and mythological subjects
• Portraits

Baroque Painting Characteristics

Baroque painting is defined by:

• Strong contrast of light and dark (Chiaroscuro)
• Expressive faces and gestures
• Complex compositions

Gothic Art: Development and Style

Origin and Expansion

Gothic art developed in Western Europe, emerging in Northern France and expanding westward.

Architectural Elements

A key element is the pointed arch.

Gothic Sculpture

Gothic sculpture primarily involved stone carvings.

Gothic Painting: Realism and Naturalism

Gothic painting tends to increase naturalism and realism through the imitation of nature.

Byzantine Art: Techniques and Imagery

Byzantine Sculpture Techniques

Techniques included small ivory carvings of images and mythological objects.

What is an Icon?

An icon is a sacred painting, typically executed on a wooden panel, following rigid religious rules and techniques.

Mosaic Art

The art technique used to configure shapes from small pieces, called tesserae, is known as Mosaic Art.