The Art of Renaissance and Baroque Eras

 THE ART OF RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE ERAS
Your Name
Course #, Critical Thinking
mm dd, yyyy
2
The Art of Renaissance and Baroque Eras
The ability to create art is a gift from God, and many consider that everything that is Godgiven has power; therefore, it is no surprise that what artists create has an impact on people’s daily
lives. Art can impact the mind, emotions, or even an entire country’s culture. Scholars through the
years have come to understand culture as the behavior patterns, art, institutions, and beliefs that
comprise the social work and thoughts expressed within a well-defined community or time period.
Art is considered to be a type of communication as it can tell a story, convey an emotion,
reveal the unseen, or in other ways communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a unique way1
.
Most people can attest that what they think or feel was influenced by the messages communicated
to them through art. In today’s world, advertising and marketing professionals have taken
advantage of this with the main goal of stimulating consumer responses through the use of artistic
elements, color, graphics, sound, video or even music. It is miraculous how concepts of thought
and emotion leap from the intangible state of mind to the physical world.
To better explain the power of art on culture or the power of culture on art, an individual
must examine the Renaissance and Baroque Eras. These are two distinctive historical periods that
each had a significant impact on art and culture. Works created during these periods are commonly
regarded as similar but with distinctive features2
. There have been debates on which time period
produced the most influential art. These debates are still in progress with followers coming from
both camps and having strong and compelling arguments to support their positions. The best way
to view the contributions of both eras is by examining the differences between the two.
__________
1
 Hatcher, Evelyn P. Art As Culture: An Introduction to the Anthropology of Art. Westport, Conn [u.a.]: Bergin &
Garvey, 1999. Print. P. 36.
2
 Gross, Alex, and Bruce Sterling. The Art of Alex Gross: Paintings and Other Works. San Francisco: Chronicle
Books, 2007. Print. P. 26.
3
In today's world, Italy and France are considered the main capitals of art. The art period of
Renaissance began in Italy around the 1400s. In Europe’s history, this time marked the transition
to the early modern age from the medieval times. The development of modern art, culture, and
societies had a profound impact on the Renaissance period. The Renaissance time focused on
humanism which experienced the subsequent turning from dominant ideals and norms put forth by
the church. Despite religion having a greater impact on this era, western civilization recognized the
potential of humans and scientific inquiry. This insight is still treasured in today's world and
influences modern culture. Art and literature produced within this period were based on the
principles of realism that are still vital in western societies. Historical figures such as Da Vinci,
Boccaccio, and others still live on and influence modern day perspectives.
Initially, before the Renaissance period, writers had a tendency to focus on religiouscentered issues. They produced innumerable instructions and texts that instructed readers on living
pious lives based on Christian heroes3
. The Renaissance period influenced new writers and artists
to break from tradition by presenting practical versions of life. Many Renaissance authors still
enjoy a significant influence on today’s society in terms of literal style, meaning, and political
views. Through the introduction of realism during the Renaissance period, the common people
grew to enjoy tales, which have continued to enjoy popularity through the ages.
In contribution to modern society, prominent Renaissance figures, such as Leonardo da
Vinci, were revolutionary thinkers and artists who pioneered and advocated for many advances
that are today ignored or even taken for granted. As an artist, da Vinci represents realism. Most
__________
3 Marraro, Howard R. The World and Its Peoples: Italy. New York, N.Y: Greystone Press, 1964. Print. P. 276.
4
notable are human figures that are deviations from the lofty, grandiose religious figures he often
was sought to convey in his works. In modern culture, one such painting that still commands
attention is the Mona Lisa; a painting easily recognized in today’s society.
Many consider Leonardo da Vinci as the first person to utilize realistic elements in his
paintings. This tradition has survived and can be identified in artworks around the world. Da Vinci
paintings relate scientific observations. Da Vinci is among the first pioneers of human anatomy
studies as well as other numerous scientific developments. In summary, Da Vinci’s work
demonstrates empirical power, including his essentially creative works. He engineer