Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Michelangelo
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."
Michelangelo was born on March 6, 1475 in Caprese, Italy. Michelangelo was an important figure during the Renaissance. He became an apprentice to a well know Florentine painter, Domenico Ghirlandaio, at age 12. During his life Michelangelo accomplished many well known painting that are still very recognizable even today. Some of his artwork includes David, Sistine Chapel, and Pieta. Michelangelo was one of the most influential painters of his time. (from: http://www.lucidcafe.com/libra ry/96ma /michelangelo.html)
David,
c. 1501-1504
Marble
Height 410 cm (13 1/2 ft)
Accademia delle Belle Arti, Florence
David: David by Michelangelo is very different from most sculptures of that time. Michelangelo portrays David standing alone where in most previous sculptures of him David is standing next the severed head of Goliath. After the completion, of David, a committee of high-ranking citizen decided to display David in the town square in front of the Plazzo Vecchio. This was the first nude marble sculpture displayed in public, which was very pioneering for this to be done. (Found on first day)
I chose this sculpture because of its power. This was truly a turning point in art history. Nude art was being brought back into society after many hundred years of this form of art being thought of as wrong.
Donatello
I chose this picture because of its great similarity to the David by Michelangelo. I find it to be a very different David from that of the conventional look that most protray him having. This sculpture shows David very fashionable in a time of war.
St Mary Magdalen
c. 1457
Wood, height: 188 cm
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence
(from: http://www.bluffon.edu)St Mary Magdalen
c. 1457Wood, height: 188 cm
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence
Botticelli
Boticelli is known for modernizing art. His best works include, The Birth of Venus, La Primavera, and Calumny. Much recognition for Boticelli is more recent than some might think. Boticelli’s talent went undiscovered for centuries until during the 19th century of group called Pre-Raphaelites brought Boticelli’s work back the light. (Found on first day)
The Calumny of Apelles Sandro Botticelli c. 1494-1495 Tempera on panel 62 x 91 cm Uffizi, Florence
The Calumny of Apelles: Calumny is a painting that stands for more than what first might appear. Each character represents a different feeling. There is Ignorance, Suspicion, Calumny, Hatred, Envy, Fraud, Penitence, and finally Truth who is shameful and modest. The figure who is painted most beautiful is Calumny. She is the woman who is dragging the girl by the hair. The King on the throne is surround by two women, Ignorance and Suspicion. The woman withdrawn from the crowd in black is Penitence. Finally the nude woman in the very back is truth, the bare truth. She is pointing to the Heavens as a sign of the greater judgment that will be held. (found: wikipedia)
I chose this image because of its compelling features that causes you to look at more closely at every aspect of the painting. I find is very fascinating that the artist chose to take his work to the next level by giving each character feeling not only by emotional aspects on their face but by their names.
The Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli, c. 1482-1486; tempera on canvas, 172.5 cm x 278.5cm, Uffizi, Florence
Mantegna
by Andrea Mantegna
1471-74, fresco, diameter 270 cm
Camera degli Sposi, Palazzo Ducale,
Mantua, Italy
Ghiberti
Masaccio
The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden
1426-27Fresco, 208 x 88 cm
Cappella Brancacci, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence