Discussion Patronage and Personas of Renaissance Artists
42058The Renaissance period was one of intense competition among artists vying for coveted commissions and patronage. By securing these commissions, they helped to establish and secure their reputations in a world where artists had increasing influence over the political and cultural life of their cities. This is why some of the most notable artists in art history lived during the Renaissance, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti. In fact, the modern notion of the “artist” as a noble profession was born during this time. In this activity, you’ll be able to adopt the persona of one of these artists and explore one of his works in great detail.
Assignment: You are one of the following six artists living and working during the European Renaissance and are being considered for a major commission to design a painting or sculpture for the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall in Florence, Italy. Visit the website for more on this important building: Palazzo Vecchio.
This commission is being sponsored by the Medici family, the most prominent patron of the arts in Florence. As you know, the Medici are major supporters of a modern and controversial style that looks to ancient Greece and Rome for its inspiration in combination with the renewed interest in scientific study of the human body and the natural world. In fact, major excavations of Classical art and architecture are now underway in Rome and elsewhere in Western Europe and artists, architects, philosophers, and mathematicians are enthusiastically studying and emulating these discoveries in their own work.
One of the most influential jurors in this competition is the eminent art critic and theorist Leon Battista Alberti, a great champion of Classical art, who famously wrote, “The fundamental principle will be that all steps of learning should be sought from Nature; the means of perfecting our art will be found in diligence, study, and application.” You know that if you secure his vote, you will likely win the commission and secure your reputation as an important young artist in Renaissance Italy. You also understand that the Palazzo is the seat of the Florentine city-state and as such, any art selected for exhibition in front or within it should reflect the ideals and values of Renaissance patrons.
DISCUSSION INSTRUCTIONS:
Each of you has been assigned an artist and artwork (yours is the one listed above your name). Your discussion post will act as an artist statement written in the voice of your artist, in which you will use this artwork to represent your skill and knowledge of popular art styles. Use information gleaned from your textbook and the web link included below to craft a statement that considers the following four points, as requested from the jurors:
Describe in detail your painting, sculpture, drawing, or print. What is the subject and how is it represented
In what ways does this artwork show your integration of popular subjects, techniques, and materials? For example, does it show an interest in human anatomy or a mastery of popular materials (fresco, bronze, oil paint, printmaking)? Does it show an understanding of formal techniques like linear perspective or modeling three-dimensional forms on a two-dimensional surface
In what ways does your envisioned work build off of past styles and forms? Does it make reference to ancient Greek or Roman styles? Medieval styles or subjects
What do you have to offer that’s new or unique?
While you aren’t expected to adopt the dialect of these artists, do your best to convince your jurors of your excellence using your own words. Your post should be a minimum of 350 words of original writing, using quotes and citations sparingly.
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
