Module 4
This week, we learned about the beginnings of the Renaissance and Baroque periods in both the North (Flanders and Burgundy) and in Italy. Choose one of the following prompts to discuss:
Option 1
Though the Renaissance period represented a “rebirth” of artistic creation in these areas of Europe, the art of the Northern Renaissance was very different from Italian Renaissance art in both inspiration and execution.
Compare and contrast the general similarities and differences in the art of the Northern and Italian Renaissances.
What were the sources of inspiration? (i.e. humanism, private devotion, etc.)
What mediums were used (i.e. oil paint, sculpture, fresco)?
What types of subjects did artists paint and sculpt? How did these differ from Medieval art?
Cite two works of art (one from the Northern Renaissance and one from the Italian Renaissance) that you feel best represent each respective Renaissance and explain why.
What was the impact of the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther on the creation of art, especially in German-speaking countries and the Netherlands?
Option 2
The Baroque movement began in Italy, but the style spread quickly to the North, and was used by both the Catholic church in Flanders and Protestant artists in the Dutch Republic.
What was the Council of Trent and how did it catalyze Baroque art movement in the Catholic Church?
How did the Baroque style depart from the rational, ordered classicism of the Renaissance? What types of subjects were depicted? Give an example of a work of art or sculpture to support and use key terms from this module.
How does the Baroque style manifest in architecture? Describe its main qualities in a few words and give an example.
