Posted: July 3rd, 2015

Introduction to Visual Analysis and Renaissance Art

The Renaissance was a rebirth of Greek and Roman culture, both of which placed the human at the center of the universe. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s Ceiling from the Sistine Chapel are two famous artworks from the Renaissance that both reflect and respond to the resurgence of humanism in European history. Both depict the human body, but in very different ways. For this case assignment, give a formal analysis of these two artworks, focusing on how the human body is being represented. Use the required course materials to help you discuss, briefly, (1) the history of Renaissance art and these two artists in particular, (2) what humanism is, and (3) how Da Vinci and Michelangelo approach the representation of the human body differently. (*You can focus on any or all of the fresco paintings on Michelangelo’s ceiling; The Creation of Adam being the most famous.)
•An explanation of the values—influences, themes, techniques, subjects—characteristic of the period or style under study.
•Some information about how the social, political, or religious history of the period influenced its art and artists.
•Biographical information about the artist whose work is assigned or (in SLP assignments) chosen for reflection.