Renaissance Art

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Renaissance Art,

The onset of the Medieval period signified the creation of western art as well as printmaking. The desire for more affordable works of art coupled with innovations in technology triggered an art form (the art print) that continues to this day.  As Western art evolved from the Medieval style to the Rococo and beyond, art prints have continued to impact and transform the way that we view art.

During the Medieval period artists attempted to break from traditional sculptures and mosaics and started to paint “frescos” or paintings onto plaster. Medieval artists like Martini painted Biblical scenes and stories intended to spiritually inspire the viewer. The Renaissance movement of the 14th century signified a transformation of societal beliefs as well as artistic expression. Literally meaning “rebirth”, the Renaissance first took hold in Italy and quickly spread throughout Western Europe. Although works of art during this period were subsidized by the Pope and often depicted religious scenes, artists were influenced by the Greek and Roman Classical style, which emphasized accurate portrayals of figures and landscapes.  In order to depict precise forms, painters developed the use of proportion, perspective, chiaroscuro (shadow and light) and contrapposto (counterpoise).  For the first time, painters such as Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and da Vinci were able to meaningfully balance and harmonize art and nature.

However, due to the instability caused by the Protestant Reformation, the Renaissance soon developed into the more expressive Mannerist movement. The term “Mannerist” is derived from the Italian word maniera or “style”.  Art during this period became more complex and fantastic as artists such as Parmigiano and El Greco moved away from fixed forms and began to employ distortion and exaggeration. Originally a synonym for “absurd” or “grotesque”, the Baroque movement originated as a reaction to the gaiety of the Mannerist movement of the 16th century.  Heavily influenced by the Counter-Reformation of the Catholic Church, Baroque art desired to awaken the senses through the use of vibrant colors and dramatic religious scenes. Principal leaders in this movement included Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens and Vermeer.

Unlike the Baroque movement, the Rococo movement, which arose in France during the 18th century, was influenced by the capriciousness of life. The whimsy of French fashions and interior design spread to the Rococo paintings of Watteau, Boucher, and Fragonard. Rather than using harsh brush strokes and traditional mediums, painters during this period utilized soft brush strokes and exotic fabrics to create ornate works. The frivolousness of Rococo eventually created a backlash, which ultimately led to the Neo-classical movement. Neo-classicism, like the Renaissance movement, stressed exact measurements and proportions. Neo-classicism along with the dramatic art of the Romanticists and Pre-Raphaelites in time gave way to the Impressionists and the beginnings of modern art.

Western art has had a significant impact on the course of artistic development and expression. This impact has mainly been felt through the art print, which has made fine art available to the masses. At Framed Images we can provide you with your own unique and quality art print. From the boardroom to the bathroom, an art print from Framed Images can transform a dull, ordinary room into a livable work of art.

Charlsie Medellin, 2004