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Have you ever wondered how art looked in Ancient Europe? Well, I have! Art has existed in many forms throughout Europe. Some include carvings or stones. The Classical period of European art lasted for approximately two thousand years. This era is known as the “Age of Enlightenment.” It led to the Medieval (476 and 1600 AD), Renaissance (14th century to the 17th century, and Baroque (17th century to the 18th century) periods. Later, Christian art made an appearance.
The Middle Ages begins with the fall of the Roman Empire to the start of the Renaissance. Art became of importance as humans conveyed traditional and new stories. Three periods during the Middle Ages are Early Christian, Romanesque, and Gothic. At the beginning of the era, many projects were funded by the Catholic Church, including catacombs and crypts. When the eleventh century rolled around the corner, Romanesque architecture was an indication of the growing wealth and power of the Church monasteries. And last but certainly not least, the Gothic style, which was created in the mid-twelfth century. Its name came from those who governed France.
The Renaissance, known as the “rebirth” of the Middle Ages, began in the 14th century and ended in the 17th century. This era includes many of our most famous paintings. A renewed interest in the ancient world of Greece and Rome was a major feature. In addition, it promoted the rediscovery of literature, classical philosophy, and of course, art. Humanism, a cultural movement, advanced the ideology that man was the center of his own universe, and that people should adopt human accomplishments. Moreover, some of our greatest artists lived during the Renaissance. For example, Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian painter, created the beloved painting “The Mona Lisa.” Giotto, another Italian painter, is mostly well known for his frescoes. Finally, Sandro Botticelli is famous for his work titled “The Birth of Venus.” Remember: there are many other painters who produced beautiful masterpieces. Not just these three. We must not forget about Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian! Eventually, the Renaissance died out due to many factors, such as changing trade routes and the Roman Inquisition. However, the Renaissance continues to live throughout history.
The Baroque period began in the late 1500s and lasted through the 1700s. It was a time of renewal in art and culture with strong convictions in religious structures and the authority of Western Europe. Baroque art was closely related to the Catholic Church. Furthermore, it was also developed by painters, architects, and sculptors. A key difference setting the Baroque period apart from the Renaissance and Mannerism periods was how it was mainly centered around liveliness in its subject and realism. This painting style consisted of vibrant colors that used swirling or wide brushstrokes, which symbolized movement and emotional intensity. Finally, this type of art used large areas of light and openness and could be seen through architecture.
In sum, throughout the centuries, art has been widely loved and adored. Think about it! Leonard da Vinci used it. Along with Raphael and Michelangelo. In ancient Europe, there were many periods of art that consisted of its own styles and ideas. The Catholic Church financed many projects in the Middle Ages. The Renaissance was a “rebirth” of the Medieval times, and the Baroque period placed a huge emphasis on realism. All in all, ancient European art showed us many of our greatest painters and the ability to use many styles and techniques to create beautiful masterpieces. Just like the old masters!
Photo and Article Credits: Zana Bihiku Tutt’Art
Works Cited
Artincontext. “Baroque Art - the Key Artists and Paintings of the Baroque Period.” Artincontext.org, 8 Sept. 2022, https://artincontext.org/baroque-art/.
Cartwright, Mark. “Renaissance Art.” World History Encyclopedia, Https://Www.worldhistory.org#Organization, 16 Jan. 2023, https://www.worldhistory.org/Renaissance_Art/.
“European Art History - Existed throughout Europe in the Form of...” Fine Art Bender, https://www.fine-art-bender.com/european-art-history.html.
History.com Editors. “Renaissance.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 4 Apr. 2018, https://www.history.com/topics/renaissance/renaissance.
“Medieval Art.” Art, https://www.arthistory.net/medieval-art/.
Tutt'Art, Zana Bihiku. “Mona Lisa, Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, 1503-1504.” Pittura, 25 May 2021, https://www.tuttartpitturasculturapoesiamusica.com/2013/02/Gioconda.html.
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