Art of the Middle Ages & Renaissance

Art and Architecture change with the new era.

Middle Ages

Religious subjects, since the Church was the main art patron.

Christ the Saviour in the Tree of Life

Renaissance

Religious or other subjects based on patron’s wishes.

Section of the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo

Middle Ages- Figures long and stiff

Mosaic showing Justinian with the bishop of Ravenna, bodyguards, and courtiers

Renaissance

Figures rounded and realistic

part of Raphael's Madonna of the Pinks

Middle AgesFigures grouped in unnatural geometric patterns.

Gottschalk of Orbais a medieval "Five Point Calvinist"

RenaissanceFigures grouped in natural, realistic poses

Raphael “The School of Athens”

Middle Ages

Faces show little or no emotion

Giotto: Madonna and child

RenaissanceFaces showed joy, pain, etc.

Anguissola, “The Chess Game”

Middle AgesBackgrounds were solid or patterned

“Book of Kells Christ Enthroned”

RenaissanceNatural Backgrounds

Raphael’s “Young Woman with Unicorn”

Middle Ages

Scenes appear flat

Athelstan, King of England from 924 or 925 to 939, presenting a book to St Cuthbert, chief saint of the English far north, the earliest surviving royal.

Renaissance

Use of perspective to show depth

Part of Raphael’s “School of Athens”

Middle Ages

Scenes have no clear light source

“Descent to Hell” by Duccio

RenaissanceUse of light and shadow are realistic

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

Middle AgesGothic architecture (especially for churches) tall and thin

Notre-Dame de Chartres, France

RenaissanceBuildings “hugged the earth” and had columns, arches, and domes

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duoma)

Middle AgesMost churches shaped like crosses

Abbey Church of St.-Denis near Paris

Renaissance

Circular or square churches common

Baptistery of Florence by Brunelleschi

Middle AgesHomes usually simple squares

Renaissance

Homes built around courtyards