Medieval vs Renaissance
Medieval and Renaissance are two different periods in the world history between which we can see an enormous difference in art, music, fashion, architecture, etc. Of these, the most vibrant and distinguishing feature was art. Thus, the main focus of this article is to look at the differences between medieval and renaissance art. It is believed that the colors associated with the art works of the medieval period are dull when compared to the colors used by the Renaissance artists. Artists of the medieval period relied more on religious aspects of art depiction. On the other hand, the artists of the renaissance period relied more on the realistic aspects of life than religious aspects. This is one of the main differences between the two types of art. There are other differences between the two types of art styles, medieval and renaissance, that we will discuss in this article.
What is Medieval Art?
The Medieval period of art existed between 476 and 1600 AD during which the medieval period in history existed. The medieval period of art was looked upon as an age of beliefs and religious faiths. It was laden with work that depicted fears and superstitions. This was due to the fact that the people during the medieval period believed more in superstitions. As a result, they were filled with fear. Even the part of the medieval times that were known as Dark Ages had some dark effect on art.
When we look at the works of the artists of the medieval period, we can see that the colors are dull or darker. This is simply because of the atmosphere in the world during that time with the church spreading fear of God and people not being able to think for themselves. Donatello, Giotto, Filippo Brunelleschi are some names of famous medieval painters.
What is Renaissance Art?
On the other hand, the Renaissance period of art lasted from 14th century to 17th century during which the Renaissance period of the history also existed. This was from about 1370 AD until modern art began. Renaissance was looked upon as an age of enlightenment. The Renaissance period of art was also looked upon as a rebirth period. It was regarded as an age of hope. Superstitions and unwanted fear did not exist during the Renaissance art period. People were beginning to think more logically without accepting everything that church said during this time. This change in the thought pattern was illustrated as paintings too.
The colors used by the artists of the Renaissance period in the making of their art pieces are brighter. In other words, it can be said that Renaissance artists used richer colors in their depiction of art. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael are some names of famous renaissance painters.
What is the difference between Medieval and Renaissance?
• Time:
• The Medieval period existed between 476 and 1600 AD.
• On the other hand, the Renaissance period lasted from the 14th century to 17th century. This is from about 1370 AD until modern art began.
This is an important difference between Medieval and Renaissance.
• Beliefs:
• Medieval period was full of superstitions and the fear of God.
• Renaissance period was full of logical thinking and less thinking of God as a fearsome being.
• Influence of the Church on Art:
• As church had an upper hand in deciding every factor during the medieval era, art was also influenced very much by the church.
• As church did not have that much of an influence over people by this time, artists were free to paint what topics they wanted.
• Color Selection of Art:
• In Medieval art, colors were dull or dark.
• In Renaissance art, colors were bright.
• Art Themes:
• Medieval art had themes such as Christianity and superstitions.
• Renaissance art had religious themes too. However, the art during Renaissance explored more topics such as the beauty and the nature of the human being.
• Famous Painters:
• Donatello, Giotto, Filippo Brunelleschi are some names of famous medieval painters.
• Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael are some names of famous renaissance painters.
These are the differences between the two terms, namely, medieval and renaissance art. As you can see the main difference between the two art styles arises due to the influence the church had over society in each period.
Images Courtesy: The Effects of Good Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, 1338 and Mona Lisa via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
