class seven-28-feb
In class today we discussed how the idea of the “universal man” came to popularity during the renaissance… this is not to say that this kind of person, with multiple talents and areas of interest was not existent before the renaissance but the popularity is what blew up during the time. Michelangelo was an example of a renaissance man. Michelangelo also was a follower of the ideals of Neoplatonism (the world is imperfect but ideals can be perfect and are above the world. This set of beliefs interlocks with the idea of Christianity that earth is a shit show and we are trying to get to the perfect heaven.) these ideals tie into Michelangelo thinking stone carving was the peek of art as he is refining something rough and full of flaws, (stone/marble) and making it “perfect”
Another thing we discussed is the key features off the renaissance, being balance, harmony and ideal forms and compositions.
Mannerism is what faded in towards the end of the high renaissance. Its defining parts are human forms in motion, they are often elongated and it is unclear who what age, gender they are and where they are standing in the painting. Because of the image being moistly filled with people the moment the painting is depicting can be unclear as well. The transition to mannerism is possibly from a time of upheaval in Florence and the sacking of Rome.