European Collectors of the 16th and 17th Centuries:
Perhaps two of the most noteworthy art collections in the 1500’s were the collections of the Medici, well know patrons of the arts and of many well-known artists; also the Habsburgs of Austria Known then as the Holy Roman emperors who were known for having an eclectic collection ranging from scientific tools and exotic stuffed animals to religious artefacts and Paintings. Then in the seventeenth century in Britain another famous collector comes forth, Charles I who had a taste for art that showed the divine right of kings and had a love for Rubens and Van Dyke’s painting style. I have selected these Rulers due to the fact that they were not only collectors but were also patrons of artworks which shows a complete devotion to art, not in just admiring art from the past which had become noteworthy through the popularity of the artist; but because the encouraged contemporary artists, and as such had a lasting impact on art despite them not being directly behind the works.
The Medici family were the rulers of Florence during the Renaissance due to their influence in banking. They were well known for their patronage to artists, some famous artist being Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. The vast commissions of artworks started out as being for atonement for the sin of usury, however as the Renaissance moved on and art started to reflect the change in attitude towards subject matter; going from the focus
Pope Leo kept Michelangelo as the Medici family and now Catholic Church’s “main artist” of the time. He also had commissioned Brunelleschi for the reconstruction of the San Lorenzo Basilica. Pope Leo X was known for his lavish out of control spending and just over all failure in helping the church in every aspect except art. The next Medici Pope, Giulio de Medici known as Pope Clement VII, was very similar. Clement VII had also commissioned many artists such as; Michelangelo to paint the altar of the Sistine Chapel and Italian artist, Sebastiano del Piombo to paint the very famous portrait of himself on both stone and canvas. The Medici’s never really did make very good popes considering they were rather spoiled and not the holiest of people although they did bring some great historic works of art into the church. Both of their art patronages were very good for the papacy and bring a greater element of art into the church seemingly allowed the church to expand and welcome more people due to people wanting to be part of the works of those great
The Renaissance period was the period that was referred to as the "the rebirth" of Classical culture. During this era, many Italians believed that they observed the rebirth of antiquity or Greco-roman civilization (334). Throughout this time period, the art that came out was similar to the growth that happened in philosophy, literature, music and science. Renaissance art focused more on humans, the accurate portrayal of the natural world as well as the old architecture of the Romans. The Renaissance art was reflected politically because during this time, the cities were ruled by wealthy families. Families such as the Medici family were extremely powerful and influential during this time (335). In their prime days, the Medici family was considered the most influential money lenders and best bank in Europe (335).
There were many important people during the Renaissance Period, and one of the most important was Michelangelo.
In conclusion, Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most famous from the Renaissance period and is the example of the Renaissance man because he was a master of both the world of arts as well as the world of science. Isabella d’Este during her rule set an example for women to break away from the traditional role of what women were supposed to be like during the Renaissance period. By doing this and many other things she was known as the ‘’First Lady of the Renaissance’’. Catherine was a great patron of arts and being this,
To many, the name Lorenzo de Medici just sounds like an irrelevant Italian man. At a closer look, Lorenzo was one of the most important people in the history of Italy. Born to Lucrezia Tornabuoni and Piero di Cosimo de ' Medici, Lorenzo ruled Florence from 1469 until his death in 1492 after his father’s death. He helped make Florence the most important city-state from 1469-1492. Lorenzo de Medici was the most important ruler of Florence because he formed political alliances to protect his people, he was a strong supporter of education, and he was an advocate to many great artists.
Art by its nature is a subject of the philosophical, social, economic, political or religious context surrounding its creator. More often than not, a work of art addresses a specific topic or somewhat revolves around a particular person. Therefore, it is impossible to separate the context of a piece of painting, either historical or cultural, to its intrinsic value or the artwork's meaning. On the other hand, different cultures and time utilized specific conventions that govern the representation of objects of creativity. This essay highlights various pieces of art and their relationship to particular cultural, political, economic, or social settings. Moreover, it pinpoints how different times influence art presentation.
The painting The Holy Family with Saints Anne and John the Baptist, 1592 (oil on canvas) was created by Italian painter Sofonisba Anguissola (c.1532-1625). It is currently held at the Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, as a gift from Mrs. Forbes Hawkes and Bridgeman Images. This painting is among the unique pious narrative paintings by Anguissola. “The Holy Family” is the last dated painting by the artist. It was executed when she had just returned to Italy after spending 14 years working for King Philip II at the Spanish court. By this time, she had already married to a Genoese ship captain. Her various visits to court and her personal contacts with great painter at that time largely inspired herself. Through these contacts, she successfully stayed in touch with current developments in art. By closely observing this masterpiece, I argue that the artist perfectly sustain the beauty of counter-reformation arts in her work by use of light and shadow, delicate brushwork and accurate proportions of each subjects.
With Giovanni’s death in 1429, there were those who tried to capitalize on the opportunity to displace the Medici family from its place in the social and political landscape of the time. One such opportunity was taken with the help of a wealthy rival, the Albizzi family, who put in motion a plot to have Giovanni’s son, Cosimo de Medici, arrested on accusations of treason and banished to Venice. This did not happen without consequences. With Cosimo’s exile he took with him a large source of Florentine capital, the Medici Bank. The Pope intervened and restored the Medici’s to power. Thus began Cosimo’s restoration of Florentine pride and the support of great artists that many admire today.
The Italian Renaissance is best known for its cultural achievements credited to writers, poets, artists, sculptors, and “Renaissance Men” (or women!). Figures such as Petrarch (The “Father of Humanism”), Leonardo da Vinci (The ideal Renaissance Man known for the Mona Lisa, the Vitruvian Man, and many more creations!), Raphael (known for his painting, The School of Athens.), Dante Alleghri (known for his work, The Divine Comedy.), and
Numerous artists had to of been present to make Renaissance art the way it is. Some of the world’s most famous artists were working during this time period, including Leonardo da Vinci, and other artists like Sandro Botticelli and Lorenzo Ghiberti.
The House of Medici, or the Medici family, was a very influential and extremely powerful family during the time of the Renaissance in Italy. The Renaissance took place starting in the late 14th century. During this time, the people started to take interest in and have an appreciation for the classical times. The beginning of this powerful family really begins with Giovanni di Bicci deˈ Medici. He was born in the year 1360 in Florence, Italy. Originally from the Tuscan hillside, the Medici family immigrated to Florence during the 12th century. Giovanni di Bicci deˈ Medici was the man who really got the family moving. He founded the Medici Bank and began using money to gain influence. The Medici Bank eventually became the official bank of
The painting was a commissioned work for the Medici Family of Florence, a powerful political and financial family which would later go on to become an influential royal house for centuries. Throughout the painting, there is evidence of movement and a prevailing sense you
Masaccio was not named among the painters ‘who have been illustrious in our age’ in Fazio’s De viris illustribus. Nor was Masaccio included among ‘the best masters who have existed for a good while back’ in the list of artists by whom the Florentine merchant Giovanni Rucellai owned works in c. 1470. This omission, however, presumably reflected the difficulty of acquiring panel paintings by Masaccio, which inevitably have always been rare, rather than an opinion that Masaccio was not one of ‘the best masters’ (Ahl 158).
Art during the early renaissance time period was mostly commissioned by wealthy and powerful families. Ruling families were accepted by the average public. These families commissioned various and lavish artworks.
The focus of this investigation will be “The Medici family supported the artists of the Renaissance era by providing them financial support, throughout mentorship and because of the prevailing philosophy and humanism.” This investigation will focus on the background of the Medici family and how they supported artists of the Renaissances era. This investigation will use a primary source from an artist's work and a secondary source relating to the Medici family uprising.San Lorenzo (church). Medici chapel. Tomb of Lorenzo de' Medici which held Sculptures by Michelangelo and Adrien, De Roover Raymond. The Rise and Decline of the Medici Bank, 1397-1494. Norton Library, 2012.Both sources provide background to the Renaissance time period and how the Medic family treated artists with their power. The two sources are examples of how the Medicis changed the renaissance era through their money and power to pursue artists for their own benefit and for the time periods.