Midterm Presentation

   

POST #8 - LECTURE - RENAISSANCE -REALISM

As I think about the changes in art from the Renaissance to Realism, I find it fascinating to see how artists began to reflect the world around them differently. The Renaissance, which lasted from the 14th to the 16th century, celebrated ideals like beauty, divinity, and human perfection. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created stunning works filled with emotion and detail, often focusing on religious themes. Their paintings were about perfection, idealized human forms, and grand hero like narratives. 

The shift from Renaissance art to Realism represents an important change in the history of art, reflecting new ways of thinking about the world. During the Renaissance, artists concentrated on creating beautiful images of the human form, religious themes, and classical ideas, using techniques that made their work look balanced and lifelike. However, as time went on into the late 16th and 17th centuries, artists started to pay more attention to everyday life and real people, moving away from idealized subjects. I think it’s crucial to explore what caused this change, including new scientific discoveries, shifts in who funded art, and the growing interest in human experiences. By looking at the works of key artists from both periods, we can see how this transformation changed not just how art was made but also how people viewed the world around them. 

Within the mid-19th century, things started to change dramatically with the rise of the Realism movement. Realism was a response to Romanticism, which was known for its intense emotions and dramatic subjects. Realist artists wanted to depict life as it really was, focusing on everyday people and their experiences. I think this shift is crucial because it brought art down to earth, showing the dignity of ordinary life and making it accessible to everyone.

 For example, Jean-François Millet’s painting "The Gleaners" (1857) portrays three peasant women working in a field, highlighting their labor and struggles. Millet’s choice to focus on these common women emphasizes their hard work and the beauty of their everyday lives. Unlike the grand themes of the Renaissance, which often glorified heroes or divine figures, Millet’s focus shows that every life has value, which resonates deeply with me. The transition from Renaissance to Realism also reflects broader societal changes from the rich to the poor.. After the 1848 Revolution in France, there was a push for social change, and artists began to feel a responsibility to represent the world as it was, not just as it should be. As to why its called realism.

I think this movement is significant because it emphasizes a deeper understanding of humanity, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of real people. Artists were no longer just glorifying idealized subjects; they were presenting authentic life experiences, which made art more relatable. To highlight the differences further, let’s compare a Renaissance painting with a Realist one. Take Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Virgin of the Rocks". 

In this painting, the Virgin Mary is depicted beautifully and somewhat idealized, with an emphasis on grace and divinity. The background is often serene and ethereal, aligning with the spiritual themes of the time. 

In contrast, Realist artists aimed to strip away this idealization and present life without embellishments. They focused on ordinary scenes and the realities of everyday existence. So, what does Realism really mean? It’s about depicting ordinary life and the human condition with honesty. It emphasizes the importance of real people in real situations. I think this shift from Renaissance ideals to Realism is crucial because it demonstrates how art can evolve based on the society around it. 

In conclusion, the transition from Renaissance art to Realism marks a significant change in how artists approached their work and the messages they conveyed. I find it honestly inspiring that Realism honours everyday experiences and makes art more relatable. This shift not only challenged the traditions of the Renaissance, art and the way people viewed the world , but also paved the way for future movements that continue to explore the complexities of human life. It reminds us that art is not just about beauty and perfection; it can also be a powerful reflection of our shared experience with humanity and the world..