The origin of the Renaissance Movement in Italy occurred in the 15th century in Florence when the thought occurred to several artists that culture, art, architecture and civilization that suffered a setback in the middle ages can be made to revive the prestige of the past. Renaissance literally means 'rebirth'
Though probably not the most famous name connected with renaissance art in Italy, many people give credit to Filippo Brunelleschi for having sparked the renaissance in Italy. Brunelleschi's main speciality was not art but architecture; however, it was he who laid down the scientific laws of perspective from which renaissance art in Italy later flourished.
With the exception of Giotto di Bondone who was a dominant member of the Christian art movement in Italy during the 13th century, art from Italy had always been two dimensional.
The fact that Italian artists could make a notable progress in the development of art by making a good use of the laws of perspective made Renaissance Art from Italy more significant. Understandably Renaissance Art was creating glorious art in Italy that reflected nature and the world in reality.
Renaissance Art in Italy broadened the area of art while art in the country at the period of ancient Rome was a mere tool of the state dealing with religious matters under the headship of the Catholic Church. Artists focussed more on nature and the world around them in their art, though the onus was on religious themes at that time.
Anatomy became of special interest to a large number of renaissance artists in Italy and it is believed that during this period art could reproduce the human form exactly as it is in real life. Donatello was a master sculpture of renaissance art in Italy whose statue of St George can still be found in Italy today.
Art Renaissance in Italy was at its apex in the 16th century as the country witnessed the woks of some greats who made headway in that period. There were the likes of Raphael, Da Vinci and Michelangelo who were contemporaries to name a few.
These Renaissance artists became so popular in their time that they were in demand in the different cities of Italy whose officialdom and heads of state wanted them to create works of art in their places.
Art in Italy can no longer be described as religious in totality because it is no longer the preserve of the church to direct such things in a secular state. However, there are still Italian artists who deal with Christian themes. One such artist is Giacomo Manza who has been influential in the field of Christian sculpture during the 20th Century. The Bronze door of St Peter's Basilica was created by Manza.
Renaissance sculpture in Italy is amongst the finest in the world. If you want to look at some great examples, read our page on fun things to do in Pisa.
