ROOT/Renaissance Overview
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE OVERVIEW
The Renaissance, or "rebirth" in Italy began in the late 14th century and lasted
until the early 16th century. Many ancient ideas were rediscovered in areas such as
philosophy, literature, and science and the evolution of empirical methods of study in
these fields. People became increasingly aware of classical knowledge and therefore
resolved to learn by direct observation and study of the natural world. As a result,
religious themes became increasingly important to artists, and with the revived interest
in ancient ideas came a new variety of subjects which came from Greek and Roman history
and mythology. The examples provided by ancient buildings and works of art also inspired
the development of new techniques in art and the desire to re-create the forms and styles
of art that had existed in the classical age.
A key factor of the development of Renaissance art was how the artist, as a creator,
looked for heightened knowledge and imagination. Art became valued--not only as a way for
artists to express religious and social themes, but also as a mode of personal,
appreciative expression.
Although the evolution of Italian Renaissance art was a uninterrupted process, it is
traditionally divided into three major phases: Early, High, and Late Renaissance. The last
phase has been the subject in recent years of complex interpretations that recognize many
competing and contrasting trends. Some scholars date the beginning of the Italian
Renaissance from the appearance of Giotto di Bondone and Cimabue in the early 14th century; others regard these
monumental achievements in natural art as an phenomenon by itself. According to the
others, the development of Renaissance style began only with the generation of artists
active in Florence at the beginning of the 15th century.Related Reading
Early Renaissance
High Renaissance
Late Renaissance
For a full list of artists from the Renaissance featured in
this site, go to the Artist page