Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque and Rococo: Key Art and Architecture Styles

Renaissance

Renaissance characteristics: development and application of linear perspective, consideration of the model of classical art and beauty, study of old monuments and their influence on the effects of light, and the aim to capture the spirit of classicism.

Historical context

Renaissance: The Renaissance began in Italy in the 14th century and spread across Europe. It brought transformations that are known as the Renaissance or the Modern Age: individualism, the rise of commerce, the appearance of the bourgeoisie, large geographical discoveries, the development of universities and the dissemination of scientific and classical philosophy, and the decline of religious values.

Humanism

Humanism arrived in Italy thanks to the arrival of intellectuals from Greece, who were experts in Platonic thought. The humanist current placed human beings at the center of interest, and an awareness of the value of the artist and individuality emerged, as artists began to sign their own works.

Renaissance architecture

Inspired by ancient art, especially that of Rome, Renaissance architecture used the semicircular arch and the barrel vault, and the domes of earlier Romanesque and Byzantine churches. Metal tie rods were introduced to counteract the thrust of heavy vaults.

Renaissance sculpture

Renaissance sculpture sought resemblance to nature and reality, with an anthropocentric focus, a tendency toward monumentalism, and a predominance of curved lines in sculptural figures.

Renaissance painting

Renaissance painting was anthropocentric and naturalistic, incorporating techniques such as oil painting as well as tempera on panel, chiaroscuro, and drawing. Color predominated over line, and landscapes were used as the background of the main scene to create depth.

Mannerism

Mannerist artists took as reference the styles of Michelangelo and Raphael, which they imitated.

Characteristics of Mannerist painting

Mannerist painting featured forced postures, arbitrary use of color, and an irrational treatment of space.

Baroque

Baroque was born in Italy at the end of the 16th century and spread rapidly throughout Europe. It continued with some principles of the Renaissance, but differed from it in its emphasis on real movement, the importance of light and lighting effects, a fondness for theatricality, and a tendency to blend painting, sculpture and architecture.

Baroque architecture

Baroque architects conceived buildings as large sculptures, with facades that often had two towers, and with oval and elliptical floor plans predominating. Wavy lines replaced straight ones.

Baroque sculpture

Baroque sculpture showed great technical mastery, with more vivid gestures than in the Renaissance and a strong sense of theatricality. Sculpture was planned both as decoration for architecture and as an individual work, with religious, mythological and funerary themes predominating.

Baroque painting

Baroque painting used chiaroscuro and strong contrasts of light, with color predominating over line.

Rococo

Rococo was the style of the 18th century, and its later phases are characterized by an intensification of decorative elements and the use of pale colors in painting.