The Sacrifice of Iphigenia

The Sacrifice of Iphigenia was painted in 1671 by the famous Dutch painter Jan Steen.  This painting was one of the last great pieces before the fall of the Renaissance era.  Although most paintings of this time were different than those of the Italian Renaissance, The Sacrifice of Iphigenia shared similarities with paintings from that past.  Jan Steen utilized depth into the distance and lighting to focus on Iphigenia.  Also, this painting contains lifelike people and shading to make the people appear as though they are living.  These techniques are similar to the Italian Renaissance which was the pinnacle of art.  This famous painting was stolen in World War II by the Nazis who stole valuable artifacts as well as lighting cities in Europe on fire.  After the fall of the Nazis, the painting was then returned to its original owner and is now stationed at the Boston Museum of fine arts.

Jan Steen is reenacting a scene of capture and sacrifice during the battle of Troy.  Iphigenia, who is in the middle of the painting dressed in white, is being sacrificed by her father, Agamemnon, so the Greeks could sail off and fight Troy.  Iphigenia embraces her fate, and understands that the only thing she could control is her heroic response to it.  Agamemnon was a famous military leader, and was the son of the King Atreus.  The light from the background that shines on Iphigenia symbolizes her bravery, and that she is the center of attention in the painting.  The Sacrifice of Iphigenia was the last great piece of the Renaissance era, and symbolizes the bravery and heroism of a young woman doing the best for her nation.

David

Built from 1501-1504, David is regarded as one of the most famous sculptures of the Italian Renaissance.  Michelangelo constructed this masterpiece which is still an iconic image in the art world today.  This statue represents the biblical hero David, who defeated Goliath in the ultimate underdog battle.  The Battle of David and Goliath was a biblical story that consisted of a David overtaking the mighty Goliath who was a giant warrior.  David had no fear, and his emotions are summarized in his posture and facial expression in the statue.  Michelangelo started to build David when a group of overseers commissioned a project to construct twelve statues from stories in the Old Testament.  One of the biblical stories from the Old Testament was David and Goliath, which was the inspiration for Michelangelo’s David.  The statue weighs six tons, and it took a lot of effort to move David the nine times he was relocated.  The statue currently stands in Florence in the Galleria dell’Accademia, which is where Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous work the Vitruvian Man sits as well.

David represents confidence, strength and determination because of his heroic battle with Goliath.  Michelangelo sculpted David as if he was about to enter battle rather than in his triumphant victory afterwards.  Michelangelo does this because it shows David’s true characteristics that are essential to a true hero which, include; confidence, determination, and fearfulness.  Evidence to support this would be the flexing of the veins, the posture with his weight on one side, and having the face of determination.  Michelangelo thought that a hero should always be ready for battle, and not celebrate after a victory.  This statue epitomizes the hero that would never give up or back down from a challenge.  The nature of the hero that David represents soon came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties in Florence.  Florence was being threatened by large rival states at the time David was being constructed, and the statue idolizes the will to never give up no matter how big the challenge.  Michelangelo portrayed David as a true hero because of his determination through his posture and look throughout the piece.

Vitruvian Man

Leonardo Da Vinci created many masterpieces during his career, and the Vitruvian Man is one of his most anatomical related pieces.  Drawn in 1487,  Da Vinci based it after the ideas of human proportions which were described by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius.  Vitruvius  described the human body as being the sole source of balance and proportion in architecture.  He also thought that the human figure was essential into figuring out measurements numerically and anatomically.  Unlike most of Leonardo’s works, he drew the Vitruvian Man with pen and ink, which solidified his abilities and multiple talents with art.  This piece is also called the Canon of Proportions, which would symbolize Vitruvius’s view on the human body and its relation with the shapes of architectures.  The Vitruvian Man is currently stored at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, Italy.

During the Renaissance, people were intrigued by the human body, and were interested in finding out more on the topic.  Leonardo Da Vinci created this piece by observing the human body on his own and utilizing the works of the Roman Architect Vitruvius.  This drawing also symbolizes Da Vinci’s interest in the laws of proportion, and the measurements that make up the world.  Leonardo also attempts to relate man with nature in the Vitruvian Man by linking the figure of  a man to the proportions of the universe.  In addition, Da Vinci’s multiple sketches of positions and body parts symbolize how the measurements of the human body are similar to the measurements that are in nature.  Leonardo Da Vinci’s purpose for drawing this masterpiece was to show the symmetric relationship between man and the universe as a whole.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed in 1626 by a handful of famous architects whom  include Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno.  The most famous attribute of the Basilica is the dome at the peak of the building, which was a popular centerpiece on other building architectures during the Italian Renaissance.  The St. Peter’s Basilica dome was blueprinted by Michelangelo, who was also a famous sculptor and painter to go along with his architectural skills.  The Basilica is stationed in the Vatican City, which is the holiest Catholic Christian city in the world, and is where the Pope runs the Roman Catholic (Christian) Church.  The name St. Peter’s Basilica originated from Jesus’s Disciple Simon, who was commonly known as Peter.  Peter is recognized as the founder of the Christian Church, and he is reportedly buried in the foundation underneath the Basilica.  The interior contains exquisite sculptures, artifacts, and stone walls, and is a popular destination spot for many tourists.  The appearance of the Basilica is stunning from afar because it lays alongside the Tiber River, which is the third longest river in Italy.

St.Peter’s Basilica is the holiest Catholic Christian building complex in the world, and houses the most religious and spiritual artifacts in Catholicism.  The entire structure resembles the shape of the cross, which ties into the religion of Christianity and the Pope.  The shape also symbolizes the power of the religion through the crucifixion of Jesus, who Christians believe is the son of God.  The name of the Basilica also ties into the symbolizing shape because St. Peter was one of the leaders who started the Christian Church.  The name, St. Peter, links to Jesus because Peter was one of his Disciples.  Jesus is the most celebrated entity in Christianity, and is linked in every way imaginable, to St.Peter’s Basilica.  The shape and name of St. Peters Basilica symbolize the religion of Christianity and the most important entities in the Catholic Christian Church.

The Pieta

This sculpture, titled The Pieta, was constructed by Michelangelo from 1498-1499 and is one of the most historic monuments in western civilization.  Michelangelo was regarded as one of the most talented and versatile artists of his generation for his architectural skills as well as painting.  This sculpture was assembled by Michelangelo for the French Cardinal Jean de Billheres, who was a representative in Rome at the time.  The Pieta, which is made of marble, was made as the Cardinal’s funeral monument, and is the only reported piece to have been signed by Michelangelo himself.  The Pieta was one of Michelangelo’s finest works, and is currently stationed in St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy.

The Pieta portrays the scene of when The Virgin Mother Mary first sees Jesus after his crucifixion.   Michelangelo depicts Mary to look like a young woman, which is odd, because Mary is often referred to as being old in many reenactments.  Mary’s youthful appearance symbolizes the purity of life, and that women such as The Virgin Mother that have good intentions, will never be treated hastily.  Examples of this would be that women with good intentions would never age or be in pain.  Also, another interpretation would be that The Virgin Mother Mary appearance and position could suggest that she is holding the baby Jesus in her arms.  The viewer of the sculpture is seeing an image of the future, while Mary is seeing the Baby Jesus after he was born.  Evidence to suggest this would be that Mary is staring down as though she is looking at a small child, and not an adult.  The Pieta illustrates the scene after Jesus’s crucifixion, and the time at which Christ was unified with God.

Mona Lisa

This painting,  the Mona Lisa, is regarded as one of the most famous masterpieces of all time.    Painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, approximately from 1503-1506, the Mona Lisa set the stage for Da Vinci’s dominance in the art world.  The Mona Lisa is a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, who was a member of the Gherardini family in Italy.  The husband of Lisa Gherardini asked Da Vinci to paint a portrait of his wife, and that is how the Mona Lisa came to be.  Da Vinci worked on the Mona Lisa for countless years, but failed to finish at first.  After being invited to France by the King to work in his castle, it is reported that Da Vinci took the Mona Lisa with him and finished the job.  The Mona Lisa was subject to theft in later years because of its huge popularity and high value.  Today, the Mona Lisa is priceless, and is the most iconic figure in art.

Leonardo Da Vinci is portraying the ideal wife, how humanity connects with nature, and the Madonna (The Virgin Mother).  The gesture the woman makes with her hands is a use of symbolism by Da Vinci that she is a virtuous woman and faithful wife.  The gesture is that her left hand is resting on her right hand that represents a feeling of calmness.  The beautiful landscape in the distance and the glow and faint smile of the woman reflects the idea that there is a link between women and nature.  The Mona Lisa woman seems to blend into the scenery, which gives the impression that she is a part of nature.  Da Vinci utilizes the way the Mona Lisa woman is seated to represent that of the Madonna.  The Madonna had a signature pose that was present in multiple paintings created during the time that the Mona Lisa was made.  Also, the posture of the Mona Lisa forms a triangle similar to that of The Holy Trinity.  Most paintings by Da Vinci were of the religious type, and often included formations of the Holy Trinity triangle.  In conclusion, the Mona Lisa represents nature, beauty, and the Holy Trinity of the Christian faith.

The Creation of Adam

This painting, titled The Creation of Adam, was made around 1511 by Michelangelo.  Michelangelo was one of the most gifted painters of the Italian Renaissance, and was also well known for his sculptures and architectures.  In this painting, Michelangelo depicts a scenery of when God created the first life on earth.  As you already know from Bible stories, Adam and Eve were the first humans to live on earth, and Michelangelo displays the scene of when Adam was created by God.  This painting was part of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel artwork in St Peter’s Basilica, and is the most famous painting from it.  The Creation of Adam is traditionally thought to illustrate the creation of man from The Book of Genesis when God breathes life into Adam.  This painting is one of the most iconic images of humanity, and hails a deeper secret within, that accredits Michelangelo as one of the most intellectual artists of all time.

Michelangelo displays the creation of man within this painting, but also portrays beliefs of the Christian Faith.  As each point out to each other,  their fingers are not touching which, symbolizes that Adam is receiving life from God.  In addition,  the similarity in each of God’s and Adam’s outstretched arms is a reminder that man is created from the likeness of God.  Above all, Michelangelo portrays the creation of man through a hidden image in the surroundings of God.  God,as well as the angels surrounding him, make up an image that is anatomically similar to the human brain.  Michelangelo is attempting to convey that God is giving man every quality, including thinking, thought, and emotions.  In the corner of the hidden brain image surrounding God, there is a sad angel present.  The placement of this angel is anatomically correct to the area of the human brain that is activated when someone experiences a sad thought.  Also, the scenery around God depicts the birth of a child, which includes the uterus and umbilical cord.  The red cloth is the uterus and the green string below is the umbilical cord.  This relates to the creation of man because God wants Adam to see the physical birth of man in retrospect to Adam, not having been born by a woman.  Michelangelo incredibly symbolizes the human brain long before this human organ was anatomically documented by medical science, and this baffles historians and physicians to this day.

The Last Supper

This painting, The Last Supper, was painted in the time period of 1495-1498 by one of the most famous artists that ever lived,  Leonardo Da Vinci.  His talents were ahead of his time in that he displayed incredible ability at a very young age.  He constructed  multiple masterpieces whose messages are still debated today, and one of those pieces includes The Last Supper.  The Last Supper depicts the image of the last supper of Jesus of Nazareth and his Disciples, before his crucifixion.  In addition, The Last Supper was the symbolic birth of the Holy Eucharist via Jesus’s famous words; “take this all of you and eat it, this is my body, and it will be given up for you”.  The images drawn by Da Vinci display outstanding depth and lighting to focus on certain individuals.  Also, Da Vinci painted this to construct the real life images and reaction of Jesus’s famous words; “one of you will betray me.”   Within the painting there is commotion brewing throughout the supper party because everyone wants to find out who will be the betrayer of Jesus.  Da Vinci portrays a powerful message of love and betrayal within the painting, and with that message, symbolizes the challenging human path to eternal paradise.

The lighting and depth by Leonardo Da Vinci was utilized to focus on a central point in this painting.  That focal point is Jesus, who is the center of attention within the masterpiece.  The Disciples are crowded around Jesus, and are suggesting who will betray him in the coming hours.  The Holy Trinity is present in The Last Supper because the Disciples are separated into groups of three and that there are three windows.  The Holy Trinity symbol is a triangle with three parts,  The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.  Da Vinci utilizes the symbol of the Holy Trinity to portray Christian beliefs about one God, and the importance of these three divine entities of nature.  In the distance out the window, Da Vinci painted a natural landscape that is similar to paradise.  Leonardo Da Vinci is inferring that you can reach paradise through Jesus Christ, and he exemplifies this with the shine that is coming off of Jesus’s body.  The symbolism in The Last Supper is utilized to focus on Jesus, who is the most important entity in the Christian Faith.

School of Athens

This painting, School of Athens, was made in 1510 by Raphael who was well known for his use of depth, lighting, and perception within his paintings.  Philosophers played a substantial role in the development of western civilization, and were well respected during the days of the Greek and the Roman Empires.  Raphael decided to incorporate the philosophers into one of his paintings, and thus created the School of Athens.  This painting contains all of the influential philosophers of the Greek period and the Roman Empire.  Raphael constructed School of Athens to show admiration and respect to the intellectuals who defined logic and life.  Back in Ancient Greece, philosophers were similar to modern celebrities in today’s world, and were the center of popularity in Greek society.  Raphael understood the importance of philosophers and what they would mean to future generations and this notion played a role in him creating this masterpiece.

School of Athens by Raphael illustrates branches of knowledge that combined to assemble the basic thinking for western civilization.  Each philosopher, scientist, and mathematician brought their own quality to the table that corresponded to generate the basis for western thought.  The most influential philosophers are placed in the middle of the painting which consists of Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates.  Raphael’s utilization of perception and depth focus on the important philosophers near the middle of the painting.  The depth created within the extended rows of pillars and the lighting make Plato and Aristotle stand out within the masterpiece.  Plato is pointing towards the sky because in his philosophy he thought that the changing world around us is just a shadow of a higher and true reality that is unchanging.  In addition,  classicism is present because the painting is looking back to the past and shows a scenery of historical figures in Ancient Greece and Rome.  Raphael constructed this masterpiece to acknowledge and portray the branches of knowledge that made up Western beliefs.

Aldobrandini Madonna

This painting, Aldobrandini Madonna, was made in 1510 by Raphael who was one of the most influential and famous painters of the Italian Renaissance.  Raphael, as well as many other painters, drew the Virgin Mother Mary as a main part of their masterpieces.  Mary was commonly referred to as Madonna, and was often accompanied by two others in multiple Raphael paintings.  Those two were children and they portrayed the Christ Child (Jesus of Nazareth) and John the Baptist.  Both are present in the Aldobrandini Madonna, with John  the Baptist in the fur coat on the right and the Christ Child in the lap of Madonna.  Raphael’s use of lighting, depth and perspective in his masterpieces are utilized to make the figures appear warm and lifelike.  This procedure by Raphael is shown in the Aldobrandini Madonna to concentrate on the Virgin Mother, and the close bond she shares with the Christ Child and John the Baptist.  Raphael pianted most of his works for the church community and this painting was owned by the Aldobrandini family.

In the Aldobrandini Madonna, Raphael is portraying a message based on the formation and placement of the figures in the painting.  The triangle of the Holy Trinity is hidden within the painting, and the heads of the people connect to make the triangle.  The Holy Trinity is The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, and explains that there are three divine people in nature.  The Holy Trinity is the basis for Christian belief, and each section of the triangle (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit) play their own role in making one God.  For this particular painting, The Virgin Mother is the Holy Spirit,  the Christ child is the son, and John the Baptist is the father.  John the Baptists plays the father role in the Aldobrandini Madonna because he is handing the carnation of life over to the Christ Child who is holding it in his hand.  Also, the halos and the fact that each figures’ head is pointed towards the sky infers that they are pointing towards heaven.  This coincides with the Holy Trinity because heaven is the final destination in the Christian faith and is where the Father (God) is present.  In conclusion, Raphael portrays the message of life and the meaning of God within the painting Aldobrandini Madonna.