Paper Example on Renaissance: Michelangelo

Paper Type:  Essay
Pages:  6
Wordcount:  1391 Words
Date:  2022-10-10

Introduction

"The true work of art is only a shadow of divine perfection." - Michelangelo (BrainyQuote). The Renaissance was a time of great changes in European society. It took place between the 1300s and 1600s. This was a time when people started to see themselves as individuals with God-given power over their environment and destiny. It was seen in Italy as a rebirth and revival of the energy and ideas of ancient Rome (Fitzpatrick). The Renaissance saw three major values: individualism and humanism. Individualism meant that one could choose their own path, while humanism means that humans are the center of the universe. On the other hand, secularism is the rejection or acceptance of religion (Esko).

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The Renaissance encompasses exploration, scientific revolutions, reformations and politics. It includes education, philosophy, patronage, art, and architecture. Copernicus is an example of an astronomer who developed a new understanding of the universe and proved Ptolemy wrong. Brady created a new idea that the universe was heliocentric using rational thought and mathematics. Another example of the Renaissance was how Renaissance artists used realistic, round figures and natural poses to communicate humanism. Leonardo Da Vinci, an artist who created Mona Lisa, a painting that displayed stronger emotions than medieval paintings, was another example. His paintings were filled with well-defined landscapes, 3-D figures, and emotions that convey humanism. He also depicted the human body as something of beauty. Because it saw new ideas in discovery, trade and invention, art, philosophy, and the world, the Renaissance is a significant period in European society. These achievements during the Renaissance not only paved the way to future advances, but also gave rise to a new view of the world. Art techniques created in the 14th and 15th centuries create a new style of art that can still be used today.

The Renaissance was a "rebirth" of science and culture. Michelangelo Di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, who was born March 6, 1475 in Caprese (Republic of Florence), into a minor family of nobility in Florence, died February 18, 1564. Michelangelo was born to a father who was administrator of Caprese's small dependent town. He also held several government jobs. Michelangelo's mother died at six years old. Florence, located in Northern Italy at the time of Renaissance was the largest European city in the 15th Century. It was an independent republic governed only by wealthy merchants or guilds. It was the center of the Renaissance movement, and the atmosphere of freedom and prosperity allowed for the artistic and intellectual community (Fitzpatrick). It was a time when Florence was producing outstanding sculptors and painters. This allowed Michelangelo (Buonarroti) to become a Renaissance artist. He had been apprenticed to Domenico Ghirlandaio and learned fresco painting. Michelangelo, an Italian Renaissance painter, poet, architect, and architect, was active during the Renaissance. Michelangelo was sent to Bologna to carve a miniature figure sculpture figure for the completion of the shrine and tomb of St. Dominic.

Michelangelo was able to become very successful in his field as the project led him to other projects. The Piet and the Piet were two of his most popular sculptures. The Piet? and David, which were both monumentally successful, helped him establish his public image (Britannica). Michelangelo, along with David, was considered to be one of the greatest artists ever, his works being among the most popular in existence. A Renaissance Idol represents a person who embodies all three of the main Renaissance values: individualism and humanism. They can be a multi-faceted person with a wide range of skills. A Renaissance Idol was a scientist or inventor, an engineer, an explorer, architect, writer, or a poet during the Renaissance. Because Michelangelo was skilled as a sculptor and painter, architect, poet, and a poet, he is a Renaissance Idol. His sculptures and artworks show individualism as well as humanism and secularism. Michelangelo's religious scenes showed real pain, joy and all other emotions. His figures were not glorified but realistic. Michelangelo was a highly skilled artist. He was 13 when he apprenticed to Domenico Ghirlandaio. He had many patrons over his career, the most prominent being Pope Julius II. Many projects were left unfinished because Michelangelo was so dedicated to perfection (Buonarroti).

Michelangelo Buonarroti is the Renaissance Idol. He best represents it because he shows individualism in his life as a Renaissance artist, humanisms while analyzing his works, and secularism when viewing his sculptures. Because Michelangelo Buonarroti is an individualist throughout his career as a Renaissance artist, he qualifies as the Renaissance Idol. Individualism is the ability to follow one's own path and be famous. Michelangelo was able do this. His father wanted Michelangelo to be a part of the family's financial affairs at the start of his career. He decided to rebel against his father and instead became an apprentice to Domenico Ghirlando (Britannica). Michelangelo was an artist, and he followed his own path despite the disapproval of his father. He did not want to be held back and he achieved his full potential as an artist. Michelangelo's sculpture David, also demonstrates individualism. The sculpture depicts a young man, with a youthful appearance and a muscular adolescent standing confidently ready for battle. The muscles and veins of David are a good example of Michelangelo’s anatomy studies. Michelangelo's sculptures displayed physical realism, emotion-filled facial expressions, and individualism. David shows that he can achieve great feats and accomplishments. Individualism, in the same way, emphasizes an individual's moral worth.

Michelangelo is also a Renaissance Idol because he exhibits humanism in his intricate artworks. Michelangelo's Piet, which was created for Jean Villiers in France, depicted Jesus as he was taken from the cross and placed upon Mary's lap. This sculpture is unique because Michelangelo rendered Jesus lifelike. It appears as if Mary is creasing Jesus' flesh (High Renaissance). Jesus' human form was highlighted by the way he was sculpted. It represented classical humanism with its ideals for physical beauty. Another painting by Michelangelo, the Last Judgment at the Sistine Chapel's wall, shows humanism. The design functions as a pair or scales...both directed and controlled by Christ. In the top corners, you will see the cross and other symbols from the Passion. These are his credentials to judge." (Michelangelo). The faces of all the people depicted in the paintings showed different emotions depending on where they would be judged in the afterlife. In The Last Judgement Michelangelo also showed nudity, which he presented as an object of beauty.

The Last Judgement painting displays humanistic traits and exquisitely showcases beauty through an idealized human body. Many of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces displayed secularism. David, a sculpture created in 1505, not only displayed individualism but also secularism. David is a sculpture depicting a young man who has a strong posture and confident looks. His confident and determined stance is evident, as well as his beautifully depicted body. Buonarroti also said that he has the muscles everyone wished for. Secularism encourages people not to be concerned about faith or salvation in the afterlife. David is a great example of this. The Creation of Adam at the Sistine ceiling by Michelangelo also demonstrates secularism. It depicts Adam, a muscular and classical nude, reaching out to God. The painting shows God being surrounded by angels, cherubim and other creatures. However, a red cloud shape resembling the human brain is visible (Michelangelo). This shows that ideas are not only possible from God's brain, but also from humans.

Conclusion

This is secularism, because it shows an interest in an idea other than religious. Michelangelo Buonarroti was one of the most important artists of all times, creating art that resembles a Renaissance idol. Michelangelo Buonarroti is the best example of the ideals and characteristics of a true Renaissance Idol. He demonstrates individualism as a Renaissance painter, humanism in his artworks and secularism when analysing his success. Michelangelo Buonarroti was an Italian Renaissance artist who had a higher view of reality than he actually saw. His ability to express emotions and human emotion in a way that was both humble and admirable inspired humility and veneration. His work was a masterpiece of psychological insight and physical reality that has never been seen before." (Nichols). He was the inspiration for many buildings, sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts around the globe. Through his sculptures and art, Michelangelo had a profound impact on the Renaissance Movement. He also influenced future societies and western society.

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Paper Example on Renaissance: Michelangelo. (2022, Oct 10). Retrieved from https://midtermguru.com/essays/paper-example-on-renaissance-michelangelo

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