Mini Post #2

Meghan Sierra
Mini Post 2

Renaissance is one of the most notable periods in time. The Renaissance was considered the rebirth of literature and art. The art composed of many different characteristics and themes such as realism, individualism, religion and emotion. This time period developed and morphed throughout the 14th to 17th century but different components throughout the year added to the true meaning of the Renaissance. The Renaissance artists that changed art history due to their unique individualism include Donatello, Leonardo Di Vinci, Artemisia Gentileschi and Michelangelo. These iconic artists left a remarkable legacy because of their most notable works of art. 

David, Donatello (1446-1460)

Donatello was a famous Italian sculptor during the Renaissance period. Donatello was one of the most notable and famous artists from Florence in Italy. His main artworks composed of materials like marble, bronze and wood. One of his greatest works, shown above, was the first bronze sculpture of the naked man, David. This sculpture is so significant because it is the first life size, free standing nude male since the classical antiquity. Many people admired his boyish looks because it represents being so young with adult responsibility. In this sculpture David is holding a sword and is resting his foot on Goliath's head. David posing in this way is significant because it illustrates how David defeated Goliath. This sculpture is placed in a famous Florence museum called "Museo Nazionale del Bargello." Many admirers of this specific sculpture noted that it is different from the other David sculptures because it appears more realistic and represents the victory against Goliath. It is believed that the specific engraving of the sculpture represents a victory against tyrants. This brings clarity and accomplishment from the struggle and helped give Florence feel stronger again. It is considered one of the most important sculptures of the early Renaissance. 

Mona Lisa, Leonardo Da Vinci (1503-1506)

Leonardo Da Vinci was considered an artist that was different from other artists because ahead of his time. One of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous art pieces is the Mona Lisa located in Paris in the Louvre museum. He painted the Mona Lisa between 1503-1506 in Florence and it is recognized world wide. Leonardo Da Vinci is one of the most famous painters and took three years to perfect this painting. Many art historians believe an sixteenth-century Italian biographer Giorgio Vasari. Vasari believed that the Mona Lisa portrays Lisa Di Antonio Maria Gherardini. She was the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo, but this hypothesis was never confirmed, leaving a mysterious question of who? Leonardo Da Vinci made no mistakes in painting a slight smirk with strange landscapes behind her. Her subtle eyes give viewers a  three dimensional feel because it appears she is staring directly at you. The Mona Lisa is different because she is not wearing jewelry or nice, flattering clothes that most high class people would wear during this time. Leonardo Da Vinci kept this painting in his possession until he died in 1519. The Mona Lisa was purchased by the king for Fontainebleau.  This portrait contains many elements from High Renaissance style, but it is remarkably different and will always be influential for its time. 

 Judith Beheading Holofernes, Artemisia Gentileschi (1619-1620) 

Judith Beheading Holofernes was created by Artemisia Gentileschi between 1619-1620. This painting represents biblical and politically elements. This painting is inspired by the biblical book of Judith. This painting illustrates the destruction of the Assyrian invasion of Judah by Holofernes. Judith was a brave widow that used her beauty to win Holofernes' trust. While he was drunk, Judith uses that opportunity to behead him with his own sword with her maidservant. Gentileschi's manipulated the colors and light she used in this painting to emphasize gruesome scene. Gentileschi emphasizes the way his arm and leg breaks while their arms are extended to show strength and some sort of dominance. It was common for Gentileschi to paint heroic biblical women because she had struggle to do what she has passion for  in an art world dominated by men.

Creation of Adam, Michelangelo (1508-1512)

The Creation of Adam is a fresco painting created by Michelangelo. It is located on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel since it was finished in 1512. It took appropriately four years to be completed from 1508-1512. The painting illustrates the Biblical creation narrative from the Book of Genesis, where God gives life to first man, Adam. Michelangelo was immensely influenced by religion in this specific work of art and his other artworks in the Sistine Chapel. This represents the relationship between God and first man, which evolves to humanity. Adam’s body language, being outstretched arm almost copy the actions of God. On other God’s arm is Eve, staring at her future mate although she is yet to be created. The distance between God and Adam demonstrates how God remains superior to humanity and how humanity is the creation of God. It illustrates a distant, yet meaningful relationship between humanity and God. It almost shows the transfer of life between their finger tips. Adam is on the ground, while God is floating in the clouds illustrates their roles in life.