15.2 The rediscovery of Classical art during the Renaissance

The Renaissance marked a rebirth of interest in classical Greek art. Scholars and artists rediscovered ancient sculptures, inspiring a revival of classical aesthetics. This period saw a renewed focus on human values, naturalism, and idealized forms in art and culture.

Excavations unearthed long-buried artworks, fueling fascination with antiquity. Wealthy patrons collected ancient pieces and commissioned new works inspired by classical models. Artists studied these finds, adopting principles of proportion, symmetry, and perspective in their creations.

Renaissance Ideals

Philosophical and Cultural Movements

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• Humanism emerged as a philosophical movement emphasizing human values, dignity, and potential
• Focused on the study of classical literature, history, and moral philosophy to cultivate well-rounded individuals
• Promoted the idea that education should develop critical thinking, ethical behavior, and civic responsibility

Fascination with Antiquity

• Antiquarianism, a fascination with the art, literature, and artifacts of ancient Greece and Rome, grew during the Renaissance
• Scholars and artists sought to understand and emulate the achievements of classical civilizations
• Collecting ancient manuscripts, coins, and sculptures became a mark of sophistication among wealthy patrons (Medici family)

Revival of Classical Aesthetics

• The classical revival in art aimed to recapture the beauty, harmony, and naturalism of ancient Greek and Roman art
• Artists studied classical sculptures and ruins to learn the principles of proportion, symmetry, and idealized human forms
• The revival led to a renewed appreciation for the nude figure, mythological themes, and classical architecture (Palladian style)

Rediscovery of Ancient Art

Archaeological Excavations

• Excavations of ancient Roman sites, such as the Golden House of Nero, unearthed long-buried sculptures and frescoes
• These discoveries provided artists with direct access to classical art, inspiring them to emulate its style and themes
• The excavation of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 18th century further fueled interest in classical antiquity

Patronage and Collections

• Wealthy patrons, such as the Medici family in Florence, played a crucial role in the rediscovery and preservation of ancient art
• The Medici collection, housed in the Uffizi Gallery, included numerous classical sculptures, gems, and coins
• Patrons commissioned artists to create works inspired by classical models, fostering a culture of artistic innovation and competition

Iconic Sculptures

• The Laocoon Group, discovered in Rome in 1506, became a symbol of the Renaissance fascination with classical art
• This ancient sculpture depicting the Trojan priest Laocoon and his sons attacked by serpents was admired for its emotional intensity and anatomical realism
• Other famous sculptures, such as the Apollo Belvedere and the Venus de' Medici, served as models for Renaissance artists studying human form and expression

Artistic Principles

Vitruvian Theories

• Vitruvius, a Roman architect and engineer, wrote "De architectura," a treatise on architecture and proportion that influenced Renaissance artists
• His ideas on the proportions of the human body, as illustrated in Leonardo da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man," became a cornerstone of Renaissance art theory
• Vitruvius emphasized the importance of symmetry, harmony, and the use of mathematical ratios in architecture and design

Perspective and Proportion

• The rediscovery of linear perspective, as demonstrated in the works of Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti, revolutionized Renaissance art
• Artists used vanishing points, orthogonals, and foreshortening to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a flat surface
• The study of human proportions, based on classical sculptures and Vitruvian theories, allowed artists to create more naturalistic and idealized figures (Michelangelo's "David")
• The use of perspective and proportion in Renaissance art reflected a growing interest in the scientific understanding of the natural world and the human form