A domed and arched structure from the Early Renaissance period.
The Early Renaissance period began in Florence towards the end of the 14th century, following the Middle Ages. During this period, a revolution in philosophy, science and mathematics dramatically changed composition and representation in the arts. While the subject matter remained primarily Christian, a variety of additional symbols and themes were introduced along with ideas from classical mythology and modern philosophical dilemmas.
Humanist Philosophy and Realism
The developments of humanist philosophy and literature were transformative factors in Early Renaissance art. Although Christian values were still prominent--and artwork often protrayed such subjects as Mary, Jesus and various saints-- figures were rendered in a realistic human form rather than as the abstract, idealized figures typical of the Late Middle Ages and Byzantine art. This type of realist perspective involved a greater understanding of human anatomy, a return to the popularity of nudes and an obsession with portraying natural human expression and behavior. As opposed to the rigid, disproportionate and two-dimensional figures figures rendered by Byzantine painters, for example, the Early Renaissance painters strived for perfect proportions, intense detail and the depiction of complex emotions.
Classical Roman and Greek Influence
Early Renaissance artists and philosophers--such as Architect, Filippo Brunelleschi and the famed sculptor, Donatello-- returned to Classical Roman and Greek ideals regarding architecture as well human form and artistic depiction through sculpture and painting. Brunelleschi, for example, studied mathematics and Roman architecture to create such achievements as the dome of Florence Cathedral and several projects involving the revival of columnar structures, or the incorporation of Roman-style columns, for style and support. With regards to the human form and the depiction of holy figures, Early Renaissance artists emulated the Greek and Roman tendencies to give human faces and expressions to the Gods. In addition to Christian figures, these artists also portrayed such mythological characters as Venus and Mars in their artwork.
Depth and Perspective
As a means of advancing their realist portrayals, Early Renaissance painters began to experiment heavily with depth. Giotto, for example, began to incorporate the mathematics of linear perspective--where lines are drawn from a certain point in the background and extended into the foreground in order to create perceived layers of depth upon a two-dimensional surface. Painters also began to experiment with light and shadow as a means of highlighting certain features and expressions as well as to create an even further sensation of depth.
