AP Art History
Early Renaissance in Italy

 Early Renaissance Art in Florence

Introduction - Surrounded by classical antiguity, the artists of Florence had much to inspire them. The powerful Medici family had a tremendous influence on art produced in Florence during the first half of the 15th century, primarily in the role of patron.

Common characteristics include:

  • Symmentrical balance (see Masaccio's Trinity)
  • Linear perspective which guides the eye to a specific place (see Masaccio's Tribute Money)
  • Emphasis on Classicism vs. the Northern's Realism
  • More frescoes, featured in Branacci Chapel
  • Pictures described a religous story, not just an event (compare Masaccio's Tribute Money to the Annunciation pieces)

Architecture - Florentine architecture of the early 15th century was dominated by the completion of the great cathedral that had been started over one hundred years earlier. Also, several wealthy Italian families had 'mansions' built, yet these palazzos (palaces) were somewhat plain on the outside due to the religious beliefs of humility.

Brunelleschi, Flippo, Dome of Florence Cathedral, 1417-36
di Bartolommeo, Michelozzo, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Begun 1444
Alberti, Leon Battista, Palazzo Rucellai, 1455-70

Sculpture - Sculptors like Donatello revived the tradition of bronze sculpture - the first time it's happened in Italy since Classical Rome.

di Banco, Nanni - He helped create the winning model for the Duomo of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence (1418), under the leadership of Filippo Brunelleschi, alongside Donatello. His sculpture works for the church include the Assumption of the Virgin, just over the Porta della Mandorla.
Ghiberti, Lorenzo - Designed doors to the Florence Cathedral (also known as the "Gates of Paradise" doors). (Click here for a cool virtual look at these doors! Click here for the best website for information and photos available!)
Donatello - David (bronze), Mary Magdalen (wood), Equestrian Statue.
della Robbia, Luca
 
  Painting - As you can see, much of the work was of the Christian sort, but much emphasis was still placed on the Classical ideals of pose and perfection. Also, linear perspective was added to give the piece a sense of depth (and add an indirect focal point).
Gentile de Fabriano, Adoration of the Magi, 1423
Masaccio, Trinity with the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist, and Donors, c1425
Masaccio, Tribute Money
Fra Angelico, Annunciation
Fra Filippo Lippi, Virgin and Child
Andrea del Castagno, Last Supper
Paolo Uccello, Battle of San Romano
Domenico del Ghirlandaio, A man and His Grandchild
Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus
Sandro Botticelli, Primavera (Spring)
 

Early Renaissance Art Outside of Florence

Introduction

Architecture

Leon Battista Alberti, Church of Sant'Andrea
 
 

Sculpture

Donatello
Andrea del Verrocchio
 
 

Painting

Piero della Francesca

Andrea Mantegna
Pietro Perugino
Gentile Bellini
Giovanni Bellini
 
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