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Key Features
Idealized human form
Balance, harmony, and symmetry
Linear perspective and anatomical accuracy
Classical Greek and Roman influence
Cultural / Historical Context
Height of Renaissance humanism
Patronage by the Catholic Church and wealthy families
Belief that art could reflect divine perfection through ideal beauty -
Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, 1495–1498
Media: Tempera and oil on plaster
Dimensions: 460 × 880 cm
Repository: Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
Art Movement: High Italian Renaissance
Significance:
This painting exemplifies High Renaissance ideals through balanced composition, linear perspective, and emotional restraint. The work reflects Renaissance humanism and the belief that art could communicate divine truth through perfect form. -
Michelangelo, David, 1501–1504
Media: Marble
Dimensions: 517 cm (17 ft)
Repository: Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence
Art Movement: High Italian Renaissance
Significance:
Michelangelo’s David represents the idealized human form and classical influence of the High Renaissance. The sculpture symbolizes civic pride and human potential, emphasizing anatomical perfection and calm confidence before action. It reflects the Renaissance belief in humanity’s intellectual and physical excellence. -
Raphael, The School of Athens, 1509–1511
Media: Fresco
Dimensions: 500 × 770 cm
Repository: Vatican Museums, Rome
Art Movement: High Italian Renaissance
Significance:
This fresco celebrates classical philosophy by depicting great thinkers like Plato and Aristotle in a harmonious architectural setting. Raphael’s balanced composition, clarity, and idealized figures embody Renaissance humanism. The painting symbolizes the unity of art, science, and philosophy. -
Caravaggio, The Calling of Saint Matthew, 1599–1600
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 322 × 340 cm
Repository: San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome
Art Movement: Italian Baroque
Significance:
Caravaggio uses dramatic tenebrism to heighten emotional impact and realism. The sudden beam of light emphasizes divine intervention, drawing the viewer into the moment. This work reflects the Counter-Reformation goal of making religious stories vivid and accessible. -
Key Features
Stark realism
Religious devotio
Dramatic light and shadow
Emotional restraint combined with intensity
Cultural / Historical Context
Strong Catholic identity
Influence of the Spanish monarchy
Religious imagery reinforced faith and discipline -
Key Features
Dramatic lighting (tenebrism)
Strong emotional intensity
Movement and theatricality
Realism and viewer engagement
Cultural / Historical Context
Response to the Protestant Reformation
Supported by the Catholic Counter-Reformation
Art used to inspire faith and emotion -
Key Features
Genre scenes, landscapes, still lifes
Middle-class patronage
Detailed realism
Symbolism in everyday objects
Cultural / Historical Context
Protestant society
Wealthy merchant class
Art focused on daily life rather than religion -
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David, 1623–1624
Media: Marble
Dimensions: 170 cm
Repository: Galleria Borghese, Rome
Art Movement: Italian Baroque
Significance:
Bernini’s David captures movement and tension at the moment of action, breaking from Renaissance calm. The twisting body engages the viewer physically and emotionally. This sculpture embodies Baroque theatricality and immediacy. -
Francisco de Zurbarán, Saint Serapion, 1628
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 120 × 103 cm
Repository: Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford
Art Movement: Spanish Baroque
Significance:
Zurbarán’s restrained composition and stark realism emphasize religious devotion and sacrifice. The simplicity and emotional weight reflect Spain’s deeply Catholic culture. The work demonstrates Baroque spirituality through quiet intensity rather than drama. -
Rembrandt van Rijn, The Night Watch, 1642
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 363 × 437 cm
Repository: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Art Movement: Dutch Baroque
Significance:
Rembrandt transforms a group portrait into a dynamic narrative through dramatic lighting and movement. The painting reflects Dutch civic pride and middle-class patronage. It showcases Baroque realism and psychological depth. -
Diego Velázquez, Las Meninas, 1656
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 318 × 276 cm
Repository: Museo del Prado, Madrid
Art Movement: Spanish Baroque
Significance:
Las Meninas challenges traditional perspectives by blurring the roles of artist, subject, and viewer. Velázquez demonstrates technical mastery and psychological complexity. The painting reflects Spanish Baroque realism and the power dynamics of the royal court. -
Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring, c. 1665
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 44.5 × 39 cm
Repository: Mauritshuis, The Hague
Art Movement: Dutch Baroque
Significance:
Vermeer’s use of light and intimate scale creates a quiet, timeless moment. The painting emphasizes observation, stillness, and subtle emotion. It reflects Dutch Baroque focus on everyday subjects and realism.