The Renaissance Paintings of Fra Angelico
It seems fitting that for more than a century, the popular image of an angel has been that of an angel by Angelico. As historian Pope-Hennessy tells us - "the idiom he evolved has come to be regarded as the natural language of religious painting". (1) The impetus to research Fra Angelico's life comes from a deep respect for religious art . However, having grown up in the Catholic Church, stained glass windows and sculptures of religious figures were more familiar to me than religious paintings. An in-depth look at the life of one of the most familiar Italian artists was very appealing . Angelico's work was very well known in his own day, and throughout the entire Renaissance period it lost
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Angelico was born Guido di Pietro sometime between 1395 and 1400 (the exact year unknown) in Vicchio in the Mugello (Tuscany) in the province of Florence. Very early in life, he was taught the art of painting miniatures . I noted some discrepancy among historians regarding his earliest work. The Guillards state that his earliest work was the painting of an alterpiece for the Gherardini chapel of the church of Santo Stefano al Ponte in Florence in 1418 (5). Roettgen states that Angelico was first documented as a painter in 1417 as Fra Giovanni de Fiesole (referring to his affiliation with the monastery of San Domenico in Fiesole). He adds that it is unknown where and under whom he received his training as a painter (6). These discrepancies regarding dates continue between authors; subsequently, I decided to document the most recent author, Roettgen (7).
The artist became a Dominican friar entering the community of San Domenico da Fiesole. Here, he was given the name of Fra Giovanni and became known to his contemporaries as Fra Giovanni da Fiesole. I was unable to find the origins of the name that he is known by as an artist, Fra Angelico; perhaps it was a name given to him because he was so well known for his angelic-like figures. For about 20 years, he painted at his studio at San Domenico, while pursuing his life as a friar.
Many ages of art shine through Duccio’s portraying of Mary in Madonna Enthroned (fig. 6). Both being trained in the Greek manner, Duccio’s version of Siena’s patron saint is comparable to Cimabue’s Enthroned Madonna and Child with Angels and Prophets from the year 1280 2 (fig. 7). Duccio, however, took a softer
The Renaissance occurred in Europe between 1400 and 1600. This event began in Italy during the Medieval period and then expanded to the rest of Europe, marking the start of the Modern age. The Renaissance began in Florence Italy in the 14th century. It was a cultural movement that had an enormous impact in Europe during the early modern period. The Renaissance’s influenced politics, science, literature, art, philosophy, religion, music, and other aspects. Around the 13th century in Italy started the Renaissance’s art influence. Leonardo da Vinci, was known as the "Renaissance man," because of his art masterpieces and his studies in other fields during this time. Italy wasn’t a political concept in the
This paper will compare the themes found in the paintings "Madonna and Child with St. John the Baptist and an Angel" by Domenico di Bartolomeo Ubaldini (Puligo) and "Madonna Enthroned" by Giotto. Both paintings deal with fables from the Christian faith but were executed during different periods in art. The Giotto painting was created around 1310 and the Puglio painting was executed between 1518 1520. Here, these two paintings have similar themes both at the extreme beginnings and endings of the Italian Renaissance, and as such they serve to present an exceptional example of the developments in art that occurred within that time. This paper shall compare
Giovanni di Paolo gained distinction in the Sienese School of painting in the Gothic style. Believed to use a style book for reference while painting, Giovanni di Paolo was extremely influenced by Trecento and Quattrocento Italian artists. He started by mimicking other artists like Gentile da Fabriano, but developed his own experimentation with religious pieces later on in his life. Although he copied the concepts in his earlier works, like the Raising of Lazarus by Duccio, his scenes were more lively, vivid, and realistically represented. Later in his life, Giovanni became skilled in painting illuminated manuscripts, which are recognized today because the early influences of the Italian Renaissance are present in his depiction of naturalism, like his experimental linear perspective in The Annunciation and Expulsion from Paradise.
Throughout Europe, the Renaissance period had various effects on art which can be broken down and seen from Southern (Italian) and Northern paintings. With the renaissance, came disinterest in dogma, and more of a focus on naturalism and humanism. However, the strong influence of religion never left either the Northern or Southern art works, due to the commission by the church. Giuliano Bugiardini’s, Madonna and Child with St. John the Baptist, 1510, is a pristine depiction of what Southern European art during the renaissance contained, element by element. Northern artists kept most their roots, focusing heavily on religion while enhancing on the details and adding few aspects of naturalism; while Southern artists took
Giorgio De Chirico’s art can be viewed one that evolved tremendously over time. However, his artwork portrayed a number of characteristics and traits that differentiated them from the works of other artists in his time. This is probably why his art remains a puzzling factor to many from the 20th Century to date. A wide use themes and concepts can be seen in a number of his works. He has played a huge role in shaping the surrealist works of art.
Annunciation, the fresco, clearly demonstrates the focus on religion in the 15th century. The fresco is part of numerous frescos that were commissioned by the abbot of the Dominican monastery of San Marco. The purpose of the fresco was to give religious reminders and instill piety into the monks who were dedicating their lives to prayer. There is even an inscription at the bottom of the work that reminds the monks to say a Hail Mary when they pass the work. Fra Angelico was greatly influenced by two Gothic artists Gentile da Fabriano and Masaccio. The influence of Fabriano is evident in the drapery and detail of Gabriel's wings which give a decorative style to the fresco. The influence of Masaccio can be seen in the use of realistic depth. The work also uses linear perspective which can be seen in the line between garden and the architecture. However, the lighting and the proportions of the figures within the architecture are irrational. It could be said that these artistic 'mistakes' were
Andrea de Pozzo, born in 1642 in Trento, Italy, was a famous Italian Jesuit painter, architect, stage designer, and art theoretician of the late seventeenth century. Pozzo specialized in ‘quadratura’and ‘di sotto in su’ techniques; a system of perspective where the focal lines start from the corner and meet each other at the center of the piece. At the age of 17, his father sent him for artistic training under Palma il Giovane. In 1662, he trained under an unrecognized painter from the workshop of Andrea Sacchi, who taught him the techniques of Roman Baroque art. As devoted Pozzo was to his art, he was just as devoted to the church. In 1675, he designed frescos for the church of San Francisco Saverio in Mondovi. Some of his contribution to the church also included ceiling paintings. Pozzo established a strong reputation ceiling he painted in the Church of St. Ignazio which was known as the Glorification of Saint Ignatius (or Nave Fresco).
One of the greatest stories from the Italian Renaissance is the one of Fillipo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti. In 1401, the directors of the art of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral held a contest for artists; to create panels for a the doors on the east entrance (Kleiner, 560-2). Because the east doors faced the cathedral, the people thought it extremely prestigious to be able to participate in such a massive creation. After the first competition round, two finalists remained; Brunelleschi, an accomplished and experienced artist, and Ghiberti, a younger artist, but one with just as much talent. The two competitors were required to create a panel (or square) of Abraham readying to sacrifice Issac. Before reading which was which,
Angelico keeps his painting very simplistic with no flash or Christian symbolism in it. Many think that it is because of the location of the painting in a church. The area surrounding Gabriel and Mary is bare and flat. The focus is strictly on Mary and Garbriel who are technically to large spacially. They would not be able to move around in the area because of their size. Campin has created a piece that is full of Christian symbolism. The flowers on the table, the tools that Joseph uses, and baby Jesus floating in on sun rays heading toward Mary’s womb are just a few examples. While Angelico kept his background simple and plan, Campin uses a background that makes the painting relatable for the viewer of that time. Campin uses a home that would have been modern and pays specific details to the surroundings. The textures and amount of detail that Campin puts into his painting make it feel plush and full of life. The candle stick, the vase, the wooden table and the surrounding wooden pieces in Joseph’s shop all show us the texture of the material. It almost makes you want to reach out and
The great thing about art, is that there are multiple portrayals of one idea but, the artist’s own personal style allows one to feel something that another may not. Early Renaissance painters, Giotto di Bondone and Duccio di Buoninsegna established their own unique style to depict a biblical scene known as, The Betrayal of Christ. Through a close analysis of each artist’s representation of, The Betrayal of Christ, one is able to compare and contrast the artists own understanding of the scene through their attention to detail, character, and space throughout the painting. When examining these two works, one will have a stronger emotional response towards Giotto’s interpretation rather Duccio’s, due to his methods of handling organization, figures, and space.
The Renaissance time period was home to many new ideas in art. This includes new artists bringing forth ideas that had yet to be discovered and made popular. New themes and types of art were also being brought forward during this period.
The Renaissance was a period of cultural movement and the introduction of cultural heroes, is known as “Renaissance Men”. One of these men was Michelangelo Buenarroti. Michelangelo was a world-wide known painter, sculptor, architect, and poet, who was of great Importance and had a great impact on our modern day culture.
This paper will compare the themes found in the paintings “Madonna and Child with St. John the Baptist and an Angel” by Domenico di Bartolomeo Ubaldini (Puligo) and “Madonna Enthroned” by Giotto. Both paintings deal with fables from the Christian faith but were executed during different periods in art. The Giotto painting was created around 1310 and the Puglio painting was executed between 1518 – 1520. Here, these two paintings have similar themes both at the extreme beginnings and endings of the Italian Renaissance, and as such they serve to present an exceptional example of the developments in art that occurred within that time. This paper shall compare
With the continuous growth of paintings and artists, prestige for art increased dramatically to the point in which religious aspects were shown through landscapes, portraits, and temperas. This then allowed the creation of new styles and mathematical input that manifested everyday life with religious aspects. One such artist was Giovanni Bellini who introduced bright, rich, strong colors into his palette and landscapes that expressed the happiness, calmness, and prosperity that Italy carried throughout the Renaissance. These characteristics and styles of paintings subsequently became a popular Venetian cornerstone. Other important figures in the Italian Renaissance that demonstrated the movement?s ideas through their ingenious paintings and architectural methods were Pier Della Francesca and Leon Battista Alberti. Francesca, who was and expert in mathematics, developed the art form of perspective. Alberti, on the other hand, as an architect developed the pediment which became popular throughout the entire Renaissance. His monasteries and churches depicted many of the religious ideas, as evident in one of his famous works, the Santa Maria Novella. All in all, the use of the common religious themes such as the annunciation, adoration, Crucifixion, and the popular Madonna