Literally meaning “rebirth,” the Renaissance period was a period of cultural development and explosion. Dated from the 14th to the 17th century, this incredible time in history saw a renewed interest in the Greco-Roman culture and impressive changes in almost every aspect of human life. The rediscovery of classical art, literature, and philosophy was the hallmark of the Renaissance period. Some of the most outstanding artists, thinkers, scientists, and thinkers were born in and thrived during this era.
This period in history was also given credit for bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and today’s modern civilization. The Renaissance started in Italy, with the powerful and wealthy Medici family backing the movement. From Italy, it spread to other European countries and enriching the movement with artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giotto di Bondone. Listed below are six of the most famous Renaissance artists and their masterpieces.
Leonardo Da Vinci – Mona Lisa (1517)
There is no doubt that Leonardo Da Vinci was the greatest among the Renaissance artists. He is even dubbed the ideal Renaissance man and the Universal Genius, who was skilled in almost all aspects. Da Vinci was a painter, an architect, a sculptor, an inventor, and a botanist, among others. His vast knowledge in many of these fields enabled him to create the most compelling visual pieces, with his artwork looking more alive than most. His most famous and revered work is, of course, the Mona Lisa.
Michelangelo – David (1504)
Like Leonardo Da Vince, Michelangelo is also considered a Renaissance man and a Universal Genius. His focus was on sculpture, a craft he mostly excelled in. Most people nowadays would readily associate him with the frescoes he did on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but his most notable works are actually a sculpture called David and the St. Peter’s Basilica, a famous representation of Renaissance architecture. Anyone with huge investment money would surely want to get their hands on many of his sculptures.
Raphael – The School of Athens (1511)
Another Italian artist, Raphael, along with Da Vinci and Michelangelo, are considered the trinity of the masters of the High Renaissance, referring to the apex of the period. His works were revered even until the late 19th century. He is regarded as the best model for history painting and for depicting emotions realistically that anyone with a degree of art appreciation would feel the emotions expressed in his paintings.
Donatello – The Bronze David (1440s)
At a time when traveling was very difficult, Donatello and his friend Filippo Brunelleschi made the necessary investments and took a trip to Rome so they could study ancient Roman ruins. This was a feat no one had undertaken to such an extent before, and this exploration helped shape Renaissance architecture and art. Donatello shifted from the more Gothic style to a more Classical style of sculpting, revealing expressions and emotions in his work.
Sandro Botticelli – The Birth of Venus (1486)
The most famous humanist painter in the Early Renaissance, Sandro Botticelli, has painted a wide variety of religious and mythological subjects. His art is best known for its visual brilliance and decorative quality that was not seen in paintings by other artists. Botticelli’s reputation suffered a setback, but recently, he has been given credit for representing the linear grace that was characteristic of Early Renaissance painting.
Hieronymus Bosch – The Garden of Earthly Delights (1515)
Perhaps one of the more controversial names on the list, Hieronymus Bosch, was the first who depicted creatures that are usually beyond human comprehension. His arts contain humans in grotesque forms, animals, and other fantastical creatures. A highly individualistic painter, we can only guess that he spent so much time alone, which gave him a great degree of insight into human fears and desires.
Sources:
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