Art Column
by Leaf
I'm sure you've all heard words like Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic(ism), etc., but the sad truth is, not many can actually describe the styles and characteristics of these cultural movements/periods. I shall endeavour to write a series of articles, each on the fine arts of a different period (starting from the Renaissance and going in chronological order).
The Renaissance went from the 1400s to the 1600s. It's the French word for 're-birth', and it was the period in which people took a renewed interest in the styles and perspectives of the classical era, which occurred many centuries prior. Mythological and religious aspects were often represented in literature, architecture, sculpture, and paintings.
The styles of Ancient Roman buildings and sculptures were imitated in Renaissance architecture and sculpture; proportion was important and the designs were often geometrically intricate. Perspective was also given great attention. Well-known examples include Bramante's Tempietto and Michaelangelo's David.
Literature and poetry developed humanistic ideas and philosophy. Notable Renaissance writers include Shakespeare and Cervantes (if you haven't read
The music of the Renaissance is a little harder to categorize. In Western classical music, there was an increased emphasis on using modality rather than tonality. The use of modes dates back to before the Renaissance era, but if you're a music student and modes are the bane of your existence, you have the Renaissance to thank for their increased use in music.
Paintings also underwent developments and stylistic changes; for example, the portrayal of perspective and depth became more popular, especially through the use of line. The blending of colours was used to soften tones and edges in a work.
Now, as Thanksgiving is coming up to those in the States, I'll display two of the works of Paolo Veronese, a Renaissance painter, that depict feasts. Of course, they're not Thanksgiving feasts, but whatever.
The Feast in the House of Levi, 1573.
Marriage at Cana, 1563.
-Leaf