Art of the Middle Ages &
Renaissance
Art and Architecture change with the
new era.
Middle Ages
Religious subjects, since the Church was the
main art patron.
Christ the Saviour in the Tree of Life
Renaissance
Religious or other subjects based on patron’s
wishes.
Section of the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo
Middle Ages
- Figures long and stiff
Mosaic showing Justinian with the bishop of
Ravenna, bodyguards, and courtiers
Renaissance
Figures rounded and realistic
part of Raphael's Madonna of the Pinks
Middle Ages
Figures grouped in unnatural geometric
patterns.
Gottschalk of Orbais a
medieval "Five Point
Calvinist"
Renaissance
Figures grouped in natural, realistic poses
Raphael “The School of Athens”
Middle Ages
Faces show little
or no emotion
Giotto: Madonna and child
Renaissance
Faces showed joy, pain, etc.
Anguissola, “The Chess Game”
Middle Ages
Backgrounds were solid or patterned
“Book of Kells Christ Enthroned”
Renaissance
Natural Backgrounds
Raphael’s “Young Woman with Unicorn”
Middle Ages
Scenes appear flat
Athelstan, King of England from 924
or 925 to 939, presenting a book to
St Cuthbert, chief saint of the English
far north, the earliest surviving royal.
Renaissance
Use of perspective to show
depth
Part of Raphael’s “School of Athens”
Middle Ages
Scenes have no clear light source
“Descent to Hell” by Duccio
Renaissance
Use of light and shadow are realistic
Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
Middle Ages
Gothic architecture (especially for churches) tall
and thin
Notre-Dame de Chartres, France
Renaissance
Buildings “hugged the earth” and had columns,
arches, and domes
Basilica di Santa Maria
del Fiore (Duoma)
Middle Ages
Most churches shaped like crosses
Abbey Church of St.-Denis near Paris
Renaissance
Circular or square churches common
Baptistery of Florence by Brunelleschi
Middle Ages
Homes usually simple squares
Renaissance
Homes built around courtyards