Baroque Art

The Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio (ca.1599)

         The baroque period features artwork that is very similar to Renaissance artwork, however it is darker in both colors and themes depicted. In various examples, such as the one above, you will see that people seem a little more distraught in the face, or the overall piece will have a feel of melancholy. It has a theme around people, not unlike the Renaissance period, but this time around I feel it revolves more around the darkness in the individual instead of the general humanism and power of people. It has an aura of mortality.

    In Baroque artwork, you will see a lot of biblical references, such as the work from Caravaggio. After the reformation, the Counsel of Trent (also known as the counter-reformation) started encouraging artwork that depicted religion as kind of a propaganda for the Catholic church. Caravaggio, himself, was actually commissioned by a Catholic cardinal. Caravaggio used a style called chiaroscuro, which uses very deep contrasts.  

    

works cited:

Pioch, Nicolas. “Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi Da.” WebMuseum Paris. BMW Foundation, 19 Sept. 2002. Web. 25 Feb. 2021.

“Art and Theory in Baroque Europe.” Art and Theory in Baroque Europe: Anti-Mannerism and the Council of Trent. Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe, 24 Oct. 1995. Web. 25 Feb. 2021.

Humanism and Renaissance Art

    Humanism is the resurgence of thinking of people as individuals who can have a personal understanding of ethics, and science without religion fully dictating the way of life and thought. The world could no longer be defined by the church. In my own understanding of the time period, it was truly when free thought was able to emerge and the common man would be able to flourish as the Greek ideals resurged through Italy. But how did this affect art?

School of Athens by Raphael 1509-1511

    The word "Renaissance" translates to the English word "Rebirth." While from a simple standpoint, it can seem like arts and literature had resurfaced after a long time of it not being as culturally prevalent, it also brought back ancient classical era schools of thought, which influenced artwork of the time. In some artworks, it is fairly obvious, such as School of Athens by Raphael. It is a fresco that incorporates linear perspective, incredible detail, and a plethora of alliteration. It features Greek Philosophers such as Socrates, Pythagoras, Euclid, and Ptolemy. The whole painting is slightly chaotic, however the figures in the center are calm and relaxed. On each side of the painting are statues: One of Apollo, the god of music and art, and on the other is Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

    To understand the artwork in itself, one has to understand the figures and ideas behind the people and figures. To me, it signifies an appreciation of both art and knowledge, combining the two into something that can work harmoniously. I believe that to be a successful artist, you do have to be knowledgeable in many things. In order to be the best at figures, you must have an understanding of human anatomy, and you need to know proportions, lighting, and so many other things in order to bring something so delicate to life. If I were to have an office, I would more than likely have a copy of School of Athens hanging in it, in appreciation that art and education can have with one another.

SOURCES:

 "Renaissance Humanism Definition Overview and Analysis". [Internet]. 2021. TheArtStory.org

Content compiled and written by Rebecca Seiferle

Edited and revised, with Summary and Accomplishments added by Kimberly Nichols

Available from: https://www.theartstory.org/definition/renaissance-humanism/

First published on 19 Oct 2019. Updated and modified regularly

[Accessed 15 Feb 2021]