Renaissance : A Shift away from classical periods of art with an emphasis on scientific aspects such as light, science, and math

By PenaGabe
  • Jan Van Eyck, Born 1390, Died July 9, 1441, Maaseik, Belgium (Northern Renaissance)
    1390

    Jan Van Eyck, Born 1390, Died July 9, 1441, Maaseik, Belgium (Northern Renaissance)

    Van Eyck's work has been credited as being the origin of creating heavily realistic artworks that focus on the depiction of light and how it hits surface levels with natural light.
  • Period: 1400 to 1530

    Northern Renaissance

    During this period there was an emphasis on high levels of detail with art with aspects of symbolism. Many artworks around this time also seem to start moving away from classical influences.
  • Period: 1400 to 1500

    Early Italian Renaissance

    This period was defined by its advancements towards art and technology. With an emphasis on realistic human proportions.
  • Jan Van Eyck, Portrait of a Man ('Léal Souvenir'), 1432, Oil on wood, 33.3 × 18.9 cm, National Gallery, London, (Northern Renaissance)
    1432

    Jan Van Eyck, Portrait of a Man ('Léal Souvenir'), 1432, Oil on wood, 33.3 × 18.9 cm, National Gallery, London, (Northern Renaissance)

    The light reflected on the surface of the subjects face is highly detailed. Jan Van Eyck's art commonly had a heavy emphasis on natural light. During this period artwork with heavy symbolism was common. It is believed by some that the paper that the subject hold tightly is a symbol of his mortality as it's possible this was made after the subjects death.
  • Jan Van Eyck, Portrait of Giovanni, Arnolfini and his Wife, 1434, oil on wood, 82.2 × 60 cm, The National Gallery, London, (Northern Renaissance)
    1434

    Jan Van Eyck, Portrait of Giovanni, Arnolfini and his Wife, 1434, oil on wood, 82.2 × 60 cm, The National Gallery, London, (Northern Renaissance)

    This artwork by Jan Van Eyck displays extreme level of detail from the background to the foreground. Every aspect of this painting is highly detailed his his signature focus on light and how it reflects of surfaces. This level of detail creates a look that almost makes it look like a shot from a 3d animation. Within the background a mirror displaying the entire event within the mirror demonstrates Jan Van Eyck's expert level craft with light and reflections which highlighted this time period.
  • Leonardo Da Vinci, Born April 15,1452, Died May 2, 1519, Anchiano, Italy (Early Italian Renaissance)
    1452

    Leonardo Da Vinci, Born April 15,1452, Died May 2, 1519, Anchiano, Italy (Early Italian Renaissance)

    Da Vinci lead a life the defines the Renaissance as a painter, inventor, and scientist. He served as the role model for applying the scientific method to everyday life including art. Within art he used his studies of human antonymy and, golden ratio to create his lifelike proportions in his art.
  • Leonardo Da Vinci, The Vitruvian Man (1490) ,Type Pen and ink with wash over metalpoint on paper Dimensions 34.4 cm × 25.5 cm (13.5 in × 10.0 in)(Early Italian Renaissance)
    1490

    Leonardo Da Vinci, The Vitruvian Man (1490) ,Type Pen and ink with wash over metalpoint on paper Dimensions 34.4 cm × 25.5 cm (13.5 in × 10.0 in)(Early Italian Renaissance)

    This is one of the most well known drawings in the world and displays Da Vinci's study into human anatomy with mathematics and the golden ratio. These studies go onto inspire and guide his human figures within art and inspire future artist during this period and beyond to delve into their own understanding of human anatomy and its relation to art.
  • Leonardo da Vinci, Portrait of Lisa Gherardini (known as the Mona Lisa), c. 1503–19, oil on poplar panel, 77 x 53 cm (Musée du Louvre, Paris)(Early Italian Renaissance)
    1503

    Leonardo da Vinci, Portrait of Lisa Gherardini (known as the Mona Lisa), c. 1503–19, oil on poplar panel, 77 x 53 cm (Musée du Louvre, Paris)(Early Italian Renaissance)

    One of Da Vinci's most well known art pieces of all time is the Mona Lisa which is a portrait of Lisa Gheradini. The painting look directly to the viewer and simply yet beautiful through color and it's background. This piece has become highly influential for several centuries. With his study of human proportions, his golden ration can be found within this painting he can be viewed on https://www.mos.org/leonardo/activities/golden-ratio.html