Renaissance art is the name used for the period in European history between 1350 and 1620. Specifically, it relates to how painting, sculpture, and other decorative arts transformed during this period.
Renaissance art was based on classical antiquity but modernised it by utilising scientific knowledge and the most recent developments in the world of art across Europe.
The result was the Renaissance art period which started in Italy. In many ways, this period is seen as the transition of Europe from the medieval period to the Early Modern age.
It’s believed the art of the period was directly influenced by the works of Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni Pisano. They were the first to introduce more modern styles into their sculptures and develop a following.
However, it was at the beginning of the 15th century when Renaissance art really took off.
It originated in Florence with a competition to sculpt a new set of bronze doors for the Baptistery of Florence Cathedral. It attracted a lot of interest and became the launching pad for several successful Renaissance artists.
What style of Renaissance art was key in Florence
By the end of the 15th Century Florence was no longer the capital of Renaissance art, this title had been transferred to Rome. However, that doesn’t change how important Florence was to the birth of this art style. Naturally, every region had its own interpretation of Renaissance art. Let’s take a look at what Renaissance Florence was known as.
It’s worth noting that Renaissance art from Florence was the result of a unique set of events. Primarily, during this period, Florence was one of the wealthiest cities in the world. This was the period when art was no longer solely commissioned by the church.
Wealthy families, merchants, and bankers commissioned works of art for themselves. It’s unsurprising that some of these adopted more modern and less religious looks. The area was also unique as the freedom of individuals was guaranteed. Citizens were even allowed to participate in government!
Of course, most works of art, even from the heights of the Florence Renaissance art period, still focused on religious subjects, such as the Virgin Mary. At the time they were simply devotional images. Today, they are seen as great works of art.
What really made Renaissance art from Florence unique was the region’s determination to protect individual freedom. This translated into unique perspectives for the artwork. Perhaps more significant is that it was during this period artists from the Florence region started to introduce the Mannerist style. This placed a greater emphasis on artificiality.
Summing Up
The Renaissance Art period lasted for several hundred years and many works of art today considered masterpieces today date from this period. It’s been said that this period was the culmination of all Italian art. While this is debatable, it’s certainly true that the art we know and love today has its roots in the Renaissance, specifically the works of the Florence Renaissance art period.
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