Study Materials – by Paul Brians

Lecture 40: The Italian Renaissance: Art & Architecture

Note: This study guide is presented here as a historical document only. Paul Brians is retired and his courses are no longer offered by WSU.

(Duiker 356-358; Brians optional: 267-269, required: 270)

Questions about Duiker: *What were the main qualities sought for by Renaissance artists? *Describe the painting by Leonardo da Vinci illustrated in your book. *What was Michelangelo’s attitude toward the human body? *What is the subject of the ceiling paintings of the Sistine Chapel?

Questions about Leonardo da Vinci: What qualities does Leonardo claim for his own art in contrast to that of others? Why does he feel that perspective is important?

Question about Vasari: *How does this story illustrate typical Renaissance attitudes of artists toward their patrons?

Off-campus:

• Donatello’s David

Supplementary materials:

• The Art of Renaissance Science: Galileo and Perspective
• St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Vatican
• Tour the Sistine Chapel (scroll down)
• Rome Reborn: How the City Came Back to Life
• Leonardo da Vinci Gallery
• Why is the Mona Lisa smiling?
• Michelangelo Buonnaroti
• Vasari: Lives of famous artists

Return to syllabus