Renaissance Painting

The Renaissance in Europe marked a period of change in art, architecture and philosophy.
The Early Renaissance period bridged time between the middle ages and the Renaissance proper when Renaissance painting emerged. In northern Europe in the late 15th and early 16th centuries Renaissance paintings became prevalent. Renaissance paintings were mainly religious in theme, with some figurative themes.

Some important elements were introduced in Renaissance paintings not heretofore seen, including the use of perspective. Giottodi di Boudone introduced the use of perspective in Renaissance paintings in the early 14th century. Balance and proportion are also characteristics of Renaissance paintings, as well as the use of lighter, airy colors.

Another important occurrence during the Renaissance period which had a major influence on Renaissance paintings was the introduction of oil paints. The new medium allowed easier and smoother manipulation of the painting medium than the medium of tempera which was previously widely used in the creation of Renaissance paintings. With the new medium plus the use of perspective and more correct proportions, Renaissance paintings introduced an important new development in the art.

The Renaissance moved through Italy, Germany, Spain and the low countries. Among the artists creating Renaissance paintings in the Netherlands were Hieronymous Bosch and Jan van Eyck. The latter was responsible for one of the most famous Renaissance paintings, The Ghent Alterpiece.

Amlong the famous artists in Italy creating Renaissance paintings were Battista Alberti, Donatello and Botticelli. In the High Renaissance period, from 1475 to 1525, the great Leonardo da Vinci reigned along with Michelangelo and Raphael, all of whom created magnificent Renaissance paintings. Italian Renaissance artists were often attached to a paarticular court, but enjoyed near diplomatic status throughout the country.

Classical mythology themes were often seen in Renaissance paintings, including the emergence of the goddess Venus as a symbol of innocent love.

Artists of note creating Renaissance paintings in Germany included Albrecht Durer and Hans Holbein. In Spain fine Renaissance paintings were the work of Jaume Huguet and Pablode Son Leocaardiom among others.

< Back To Painting Next Previous