The Renaissance Art Period

Collected by Truong My Hoa

Source: http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/renaissance/

The Renaissance was a transformative art movement that emerged in Europe

during the 14th to 17th centuries, marking a significant shift in cultural,
intellectual, and artistic pursuits. Originating in Italy, the Renaissance derived its
name from the French word "renaãtre," meaning "rebirth," as it sought to revive
the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. This period witnessed a revival of
interest in humanism, scientific inquiry, and artistic expression, ultimately
transforming the way art was perceived, created, and valued.
One of the fundamental characteristics of the Renaissance was its emphasis on
humanism, a philosophy that celebrated the worth, potential, and dignity of the
individual. This renewed focus on human intellect and accomplishment led to a
resurgence of interest in the study of classical literature, philosophy, and science.
Artists, scholars, and thinkers of the time looked to the works of ancient Greece
and Rome for inspiration, embracing ideals such as balance, proportion, and
harmony in their creative endeavors.
Renaissance art was characterized by a departure from the predominantly
religious subject matter of the preceding medieval period. While religious themes
remained significant, artists began to explore a broader range of subjects, including
mythology, history, portraiture, and the natural world. This diversification of
subject matter allowed for a more human-centered approach to art, with artists
seeking to portray the beauty and complexity of the world and human experience.
One of the most notable developments during the Renaissance was the introduction
of linear perspective, a technique that created an illusion of depth and spatial
recession on a two-dimensional surface. Artists such as Filippo Brunelleschi and
Leon Battista Alberti pioneered the mathematical principles behind linear
perspective, allowing for a more realistic representation of space and objects. This
innovation revolutionized the way artists depicted landscapes, architecture, and
human figures, enabling a more immersive and naturalistic portrayal.
Another hallmark of Renaissance art was the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that
employed contrasting light and shadow to create a sense of depth, volume, and
three-dimensionality. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio mastered
this technique, infusing their works with a heightened sense of drama, realism, and
emotional intensity.

The Renaissance also witnessed significant advancements in artistic mediums and

techniques. Oil painting gained prominence during this period, as it allowed for
greater color intensity, luminosity, and fine details. Artists like Jan van Eyck and
Titian capitalized on this medium to create richly textured and vibrant
compositions. Sculpture, too, flourished during the Renaissance, with artists like
Michelangelo and Donatello pushing the boundaries of marble carving, creating
dynamic and lifelike figures that displayed exceptional technical skill and
emotional depth.

Patronage played a crucial role in the flourishing of Renaissance art. Wealthy

merchants, nobles, and the church provided financial support and commissions to
artists, allowing them the freedom to experiment, innovate, and produce their
masterpieces. Prominent families like the Medici in Florence and the Sforza in
Milan became renowned patrons, fostering an environment conducive to artistic
growth and creativity.
The Renaissance was not confined to a single artistic style but encompassed
various regional variations. In Italy, the High Renaissance period saw the apex of
artistic achievement with artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and
Raphael creating monumental works of art that embodied the ideals of balance,
beauty, and grandeur. In Northern Europe, artists like Albrecht and Hans Holbein
the Younger developed their distinctive styles, incorporating intricate detail,
symbolism, and rich symbolism into their works.
Overall, the Renaissance was a transformative period in the history of art, marking
a departure from medieval traditions and ushering in a new era of humanistic
expression, scientific exploration, and artistic innovation. Its legacy can be seen in
the countless masterpieces that continue to inspire and captivate.
I. VOCABULARY
No. New words Pronunciation English meaning Vietnamese meaning
1 revive /rɪˈvaɪv/ to come or bring hồi phục, hồi tỉnh
something back to
life, health,
existence, or use
2 dignity /ˈdɪɡ.nə.ti/ calm, serious, and Chân giá trị
controlled
behaviour that
makes people
respect you
3 resurgence /rɪˈsɜː.dʒəns/ a new increase of Sự sống lại, trỗi dậy
activity or interest
in a particular
subject or idea that
had been forgotten
for some time
4 embracing /ɪmˈbreɪs/ to accept Đón nhận
something
enthusiastically
5 illusion /ɪˈluː.ʒən/ an idea or belief ảo tưởng
that is not true
6 recession /rɪˈseʃ.ən a period when the Tình trạng suy thoái
economy of a
country is not
successful and
 conditions for
business are bad
7 prominence /ˈprɒm.ɪ.nəns/ the state of being Dễ nhận thấy
easily seen or well
known
8 hallmark /ˈhɔːl.mɑːk/ a typical Biệu hiện ưu việt
characteristic or
feature of a person
or thing
9 marble /ˈmɑː.bəl/ a type of very hard Đá cẩm thạch
rock that has a
pattern of lines
going through it,
feels cold, and can
be polished to
become smooth
and shiny
10 encompass /ɪnˈkʌm.pəs/ to include different Bao gồm
types of things
11 intricate /ˈɪn.trɪ.kət having a lot of Rắc rối, phức tạp
small parts that are
arranged in a
complicated or
delicate way

II. SUMMERY

The Renaissance, a transformative period from the 14th to 17th centuries,

originated in Italy and aimed to revive the classical ideals of ancient Greece and
Rome. The term "Renaissance" means "rebirth," highlighting a renewed focus
on humanism, which emphasized the potential and dignity of the individual.
This era marked a shift from religious art to diverse subjects like mythology,
history, portraiture, and nature. Artists sought to portray the beauty and
complexity of the human experience, drawing inspiration from classical
literature and philosophy.

Key innovations in Renaissance art included the development of linear

perspective, which created depth and realism, and chiaroscuro, the use of light
and shadow to enhance three-dimensionality. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci,
 Michelangelo, and Raphael mastered these techniques. Oil painting and
sculpture also flourished, with artists such as Titian and Donatello creating
vivid, lifelike works. Patronage from wealthy families, such as the Medici,
allowed artists the freedom to innovate. The Renaissance had regional
variations, with Italy’s High Renaissance and the detailed works of Northern
European artists like Albrecht Dürer. Its legacy continues to inspire and
influence art today.

III. PERSONAL FEEDBACK

The passage provides a comprehensive and well-organized overview of the
Renaissance, effectively covering key artistic, intellectual, and cultural
developments. The explanations of innovations like linear perspective and
chiaroscuro are clear and supported with strong examples from artists like
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The language is formal and suitable for an
academic context, making the content informative and accessible.
One area for improvement is the clarity of technical terms. While concepts like
"linear perspective" and "chiaroscuro" are essential, adding brief definitions or
examples would make them easier to understand for readers unfamiliar with art
history. Additionally, transitions between sections could be smoother; for example,
linking the discussion of humanism to artistic developments with a sentence like,
“This shift in thinking influenced how artists approached their craft.”
Lastly, providing more context about the broader historical factors that shaped the
Renaissance—such as the political climate or the influence of the Church—would
give a more complete picture. The conclusion could also touch on the
Renaissance's lasting influence on later movements.
What makes Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' a
timeless masterpiece?

Collected by Truong My Hoa

Source:
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/what.makes.leonardo.da.vincis.the.last.sup
per.a.timeless.masterpiece/142012.htm

Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper', created between 1495 and 1498, remains
one of the most profound and influential Christian-themed artworks in history.
Commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan for the refectory of the Convent
of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this fresco depicts the pivotal moment when Jesus
announces that one of His disciples will betray Him, a revelation that sets the
stage for His impending crucifixion.

This painting transcends mere artistic representation; it vividly captures the

emotional and spiritual turmoil of the apostles, each figure rendered with
remarkable psychological depth.
Imagine how groundbreaking it would have been when first viewed by Christian
believers who had never before witnessed images of the people, places, or scenes
described in the Bible. Such a vision of God would have been considered a
blessing, and a painting like this had the power to illustrate the divine.
Leonardo's masterful use of perspective and composition not only draws viewers
into the scene but also emphasises the gravity of the moment. The varied
expressions and reactions of the apostles bring to life their shock and disbelief,
showcasing Leonardo's unique ability to convey complex human emotions.
Expressive, almost theatrical, body language is used to dramatise the moment on
the canvas. It is almost as if too much is happening at once, and the eye is forced to
digest small segments of detail and then piece these together into a fluid narrative.
Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrays Jesus, is positioned among the apostles but
is distinctively set apart through da Vinci's composition. He is depicted reaching
towards a dish, echoing Jesus's statement that the betrayer would share the dish
with Him. Judas is also placed in shadow, contrasting with the more illuminated
figures of the other apostles. This positioning and the darker hues used for Judas
symbolise his inner turmoil and foreshadow his impending betrayal, highlighting
his moral conflict and separation from the others.
The layers of meaning in 'The Last Supper' have intrigued scholars and theologians
for centuries. While some interpretations suggest hidden messages or esoteric
symbols, many of these theories remain speculative. The arrangement of the
figures, their gestures, and the interplay of light and shadow may indeed offer
deeper insights into da Vinci's religious and philosophical reflections. However,
these interpretations often reflect a broader quest to understand Leonardo's
spiritual and intellectual world rather than definitive answers.
Today, 'The Last Supper' is housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in
Milan. Due to its fragile condition and the importance of preserving this
masterpiece, public access is carefully controlled. Visitors must secure tickets in
advance to view the painting, as the number of visitors is limited to protect the
artwork from deterioration.

Monetarily valuing 'The Last Supper' is a daunting task; its significance extends far
beyond financial worth. Its true value lies in its cultural and historical impact,
which cannot be quantified. The fresco is celebrated not only for its artistic
excellence but also for its enduring influence on art, culture, and religious
reflection.
Whether 'The Last Supper' is Leonardo's greatest work is a matter of opinion.
While many consider it his crowning achievement due to its innovative perspective
and emotional depth, other masterpieces, such as the 'Mona Lisa', also vie for this
title. This diversity in Leonardo's output reflects his extraordinary artistic range,
easily moving between secular, religious, and even scientific expressions.

Leonardo da Vinci's religious views were complex, intertwining with his broader
intellectual pursuits. His engagement with Christian themes was significant, yet his
work often transcended traditional interpretations, blending spiritual inquiry with
philosophical exploration. This nuanced approach imbues his art with a timeless
quality, offering both inspiration and reflection to audiences across generations.
Rightfully, 'The Last Supper' is considered a masterpiece that endures as a study of
the human condition and of Christianity itself, inviting viewers to ponder the
depths of faith, betrayal, and the necessity of divine sacrifice.

I. VOCABULARY
No New words Pronunciation English meaning Vietnamese
1 pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ of great importance Chục, then
because other things
depend on it
2 fresco /'freskəʊ/ a picture that is painted Tranh tường
on a wall while
the plaster is still wet; the
method of painting in this
way
3 revelation /ˌrevəˈleɪʃn/ a fact that people are Sự tiết lộ
made aware of,
especially one that has
been secret and is
surprising
4 crucifixion /kru:si'fikʃn/ the act of killing sự đóng đinh
somebody by fastening vào giá chữ
them to a cross thập
the Crucifixion (= of
Jesus)

6 transcend /træn'send/ to be or go beyond the Vượt quá

usual limits of something
7 turmoil /ˈtɜːmɔɪl/ a state of great worry in Sự hỗn loạn,
which everything is náo động
confused and nothing is
certain
8 apostle /əˈpɒsl/ any one of the twelve Thủ lĩnh
men that Christ chose to
tell people about him and
his teachings
9 render /ˈrendə(r)/ to cause Hoàn lại
somebody/something to
be in a particular state or
condition
10 segment /'segmənt/ a part of something that Đoạn khúc
is separate from the other
parts or can be
considered separately
11 fluid /'flu:id/ a liquid; a substance that Lỏng
can flow
12 disciple /dɪˈsaɪpl/ a person who believes in Môn đồ
and follows the teachings
of a religious or political
leader
13 interpretatio /ɪnˌtɜːprəˈteɪʃn/ the particular way in Sự giải thích
n which something is
understood or explained
14 fragile /ˈfrædʒaɪl/ easily broken or damaged Dễ vỡ
 15 imbue /im'bju:/ to fill something or Thấm nhuần
someone with a particular
feeling, quality, or idea

II. SUMMARY
Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper (1495–1498), commissioned by Duke
Ludovico Sforza for the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, stands as a timeless
masterpiece of Christian art. Depicting Jesus' revelation of betrayal among His
apostles, the painting captures intense psychological depth and emotional
complexity. Each apostle's expression and posture bring to life their shock and
disbelief, while Leonardo's use of perspective and composition invites viewers into
the scene, highlighting the gravity of the moment.

Judas Iscariot's positioning and shadowed form emphasize his role in the betrayal,
symbolizing his moral conflict. The work’s intricate details and potential hidden
meanings have sparked centuries of scholarly debate, contributing to its mystique.
Though housed in Milan with restricted access for preservation, The Last Supper
remains invaluable not just for its artistic brilliance but for its profound cultural
and historical impact. Its spiritual depth and exploration of human emotion make it
a defining reflection on faith, betrayal, and sacrifice.

III. PERSONAL FEEDBACK

The article about Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper does a great job of
explaining why the painting is so important, both artistically and emotionally. It
highlights how Leonardo shows the disciples' shock and confusion when Jesus
announces that one of them will betray Him. This makes the viewer feel the weight
of that moment.
The way Leonardo places Judas apart from the others is also an interesting point.
His shadowed figure shows his inner conflict, and the use of light and dark adds
deeper meaning to the scene. The article also mentions the many theories about
hidden messages in the painting, which adds to its mystery and keeps people
talking about it.
Overall, The Last Supper is not just a masterpiece of art, but also a powerful story
about faith, betrayal, and sacrifice. Its lasting impact shows how art and religion
can connect people to deep, meaningful lessons.