Class today focused on art in 13th to 14th century Italy. We analyzed the catalysts and definition of the Renaissance (re-birth), including the booming Italian peninsular economy following the Middle Ages and Humanism. Together, we looked at pieces specifically from Florence and Siena: both city-states with large senses of individuality. In Florence specifically, we analyzed the Palazzo du Priori, and how it reflected the link between the state and the church.
I found particularly interesting the way the Palazzo put up a militaristic facade via the rustication of its materials (pietra forte– literally “strong stone”), and use of battlements and crenellations.
We defined Humanism, and looked at how it was reflected via the references to antiquity in Pisa’s Baptistry. The Annunciation, Nativity, and Annunciation to the Shepherds relief on the pulpit is thought to directly reference the Phaedra and Hippolytus Sarcophagus that would’ve been in the adjacent cathedral to the baptistry. Virgin Mary in this piece is portrayed like a Roman matron, and the Virtue of Fortitude is represented as Hercules in contrapposto.
We concluded class by digging into the lore of Saint Francis and analyzing some works dedicated and related to him. I found interesting the section of class dedicated to the rise of the altarpiece, particularly its importance during transubstantiation.