Art History

The Five Most Important Works in Art History

To best portray the five selected periods in Art History , I have chosen one work from each which I believe summarizes it . The featured periods include Early Renaissance , High Renaissance , Baroque , Romanticism , and Impressionism

Botticelli , in 1485 , produced The Birth of Venus , which embodies the Early Renaissance as it reveals the focus on the natural world Botticelli 's study of Venus shows attention toward anatomy as he portrays the nude female body . In addition , the flying wind-gods ' and the nymph offering the robe

also represent clear examples of this period 's exploration of anatomy and perspective through twisted poses and the effect of light and color on the subjects . Commissioned by a Medici (the typical underof the Early Renaissance in Florence the subject matter portrays the popular interest in classic myths which sought to bring the Roman culture back to its former glory

Realizing the culmination of technical expertise and artistic exploration , the High Renaissance can be fairly represented by Michelangelo Buonarroti in his marble sculpture from 1499 titled Pieta Showing the drama and classical realism of this short but significant artistic period , Michelangelo 's three-dimensional portrayal of Mary holding Jesus ' body exemplifies the naturalistic and compositional balance of the period , as well as the depth of emotion regarding the subject matter . Carved from one block of marble when the artist was only 23-years-old , Pieta well represents the explosion of artistic genius which came forth from this period

Caravaggio evokes great emotion in his painting from the Baroque period titled The Doubting of St . Thomas . The counter-reformation of the Catholic Church encouraged a revival of religious subjects , though they were executed in a way which was contradictory to traditional interpretations . Instead of being idealized , figures are illuminated out of dark shadows , showing the dramatic appeal of realistic , flawed people engaged in thought provoking activities . The subjects seem to be average people from the streets dealing with harsh themes rather than simple angelic fairy-tale-like characters

Theodore Gericault 's painting , Raft of the Medusa , exemplifies the emotionally intense period of Romanticism . The tumultuous theme of this piece is indicative of the revolt against the religion and social of previous eras . Horrifically presented and painfully real , the bloody shipwreck in Gericault 's work represents a previously unexplored world of tragedy and individuality which was so prevalent in the period of Romanticism

In contrast to the previous period 's dramatic elements , Impressionism seems to dwell on pleasant emotions as portrayed in Renoir 's The Boating Party Lunch . Competition with photography encouraged strong use of vibrant and vivid color , and the relaxed , casual atmosphere of a leisurely gathering represents themes of the period which typified the simplicities of life and enjoyment of the day brought about by the Industrial Revolution . The characters portrayed on the boat evoke feelings of contentment , that all is right with the world , and there is nothing more important than enjoying the moment

From Early Renaissance to Impressionism , from Botticelli to Renoir , the five periods and artists discussed are vastly different and yet very much the same . Though subject matter , medium , and style may change , art as a whole continues to represent the themes and ideas of its time , in addition to the passion and thoughts of its creator

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