Renaissance Art & Architecture: 15th & 16th C.

Architecture

Quattrocento Architecture (15th Century)

Architecture in the Quattrocento sought harmonious spaces based on mathematical and geometrical principles.

Key architects of this period were:

• Brunelleschi, who designed the dome of Florence Cathedral.
• Alberti, who wrote several influential books on architecture.

Cinquecento Architecture (16th Century)

The most significant architectural works were built in Rome, largely due to papal patronage. Buildings became more monumental and strictly adhered to classical architectural orders.

• Bramante designed the most important building of the century: St. Peter's Basilica, and also the Tempietto of San Pietro in Montorio, both located in the Vatican.

Painting

Quattrocento Painting (15th Century)

Painters refined techniques of depth and perspective.

Examples:

• Masaccio: The Holy Trinity
• Mantegna: Lamentation over the Dead Christ
• Botticelli: The Birth of Venus, Primavera

Cinquecento Painting (16th Century)

This century saw the work of some of history's greatest painters:

• Leonardo da Vinci developed the sfumato technique to create soft, blurred transitions. Example: Mona Lisa (La Gioconda).
• Raphael is known for his harmonious and graceful compositions. Example: The School of Athens.
• Michelangelo's figures are characterized by their monumentality and powerful musculature (evident even in female figures and infants). Example: The Sistine Chapel ceiling.
• Titian, a key Venetian painter, prioritized color over line. His influence was particularly significant in Spain. Example: Charles V at Mühlberg.

Sculpture

Quattrocento Sculpture (15th Century)

Florence was the leading center for sculpture.

Examples:

• Lorenzo Ghiberti skillfully employed perspective and multi-planar figures to create an illusion of depth in the bronze reliefs for the Florence Baptistery doors, known as the Gates of Paradise.
• Donatello demonstrated a profound understanding of human anatomy, creating balanced nude sculptures with serene expressions. Example: David.

Cinquecento Sculpture (16th Century)

Florence and Rome were the primary centers. The era's foremost artist was Michelangelo, who excelled as a sculptor, architect, and painter. His most celebrated sculptures include David and Moses.

Michelangelo's most important characteristics were:

• The terribilità: an expression of contained strength or fury.
• Monumentality: use of large proportions.
• Strong muscles.

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