The role of the Renaissance in shaping European culture.

Art And It's Influence On Culture
Art has been influenced by the cultures that have surrounded it since prehistoric times. It reflects culture though sometimes artists would like to alter the cultures they come from. 

How Renaissance Artists Aimed To Change Culture 

The artists of the Early and High Renaissance aimed in many respects to show where they differed, or would have liked to differ from their own cultures. 

Renaissance art as a whole in many ways wanted to break away from medieval art, yet in other ways artists felt inclined to stick to cultural conventions. In many ways it was ironic that the Renaissance was strongest in Italy as it was closest to the Vatican, which in theory claimed to be the main controller of Western culture and values. 

Italy And The Early Renaissance

Italy also happened to be where some of the richest and free thinking patrons could be found. 

The Early Renaissance produced art that was strongly influenced by classical Greek and Roman styles particularly in making things look as realistic as possible. Yet alongside the classical influences yet was strongly influenced by Christianity.  The High Renaissance was open to other influences other than those already noted, and in some instances depicted death frequently. 

High Renaissance And It's Interaction With Religion

Though it is difficult to precisely date the dividing line between the Early Renaissance and the High Renaissance, the Black Death is often seen as suitable divide. Italy was particularly hard hit by the Black Death so it unsurprising that it affected the survivors profoundly.

There was a common knowledge that life was fragile hence a Western culture that was intrigued by death and the benefits that faith could potentially offer. 

Things Early And High Renaissance Art Share In Common
Both the Early and High Renaissance were interested in the portraying of forms to ensure they are depicted as naturally as possible. The Renaissance as a whole was dominated by artists whose objective was to achieve harmony besides balance. The High Renaissance led to mannerism, which moved away from the ideals of balance as well as restraint.

Barry Vale

Mad about Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Birmingham City, & Doctor Who. Check out my E Books about the Church of England, Roman buildings, Western diplomacy What do you mean they played football before 1992? on Amazon Kindle . Also self published as W B Lower - No hair, no remorse

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