Early Renaissance Art Lesson Plans
The Renaissance was a time of rebirth. A rebirth of music, art, literature and a reawakening of interest in the classical Greek and Roman cultures. The dark Middle Ages were coming to a close and mankind was on the brink of a scientific revolution. The Early Renaissance took place mostly in Italy with artists like Botticelli, Piero della Francesca, Donatello and Fillipo Brunelleschi.
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David Compare and Contrast
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With a renewed interest in classic Greek and Roman art, sculpture became very popular again. During the early Renaissance in Italy Michelangelo created his version of David from the famous biblical tale in 1501. This was an echo of the well known David sculpted by Donatello in 1409. Compare and contrast the two David sculptures. How do the changes in the depiction of David reflect the thoughts of the culture and time period?
Botticelli's Venus
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Sandro Botticelli created one of the most famous paintings in history. His tempera painting "The Birth of Venus" is one of the most replicated images in modern culture. Have students go home and find replications of "The Birth of Venus" in the media. Discuss how advertisements change the meaning of the original painting and how they are using it to sell products.
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Illuminations
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During the early Renaissance much effort was put into translating ancient Greek and Roman text to modern languages. Though the practice of illumination, meaning to highly embellish the first pages of books or manuscripts, began in the Medieval Era it was continued throughout the Renaissance. Have students choose a quote, poem, or other short sentence and have them recreate it in the style of an illumination. They can trace the letters with pencil and go over them with marker or use calligraphy pens for a more advanced alternative.
Symbolism
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Symbolism in painted work was very common in the early Renaissance, particularly in works for the church or relating to Christian religion. Find five symbols or items that are commonly repeated in religious paintings such as animals, plants or herbs or the heavily stylized depiction of certain people. Research what these items or symbols meant in reference to the painting and to the religion as a whole. The tendency of painting certain people very large for instance, was a metaphor for their power or dominance. Jesus, Mary and political or church officials were often painted in this manner.
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