8
How to use this content:
As listed on the “Start Here” page for this unit, one of the unit objectives is “Identify Key Historical Facts” This objective will be assessed by the unit quiz. While reading and watching the content in the following links and videos, make note of historical facts and information so you can return to them as needed when working on the unit quiz. Be on the lookout for names of artists, influential people, artworks, important events, trends and values in the culture.
Early Italian Renaissance
The perfection of realistic imagery was the driving force in Italian Renaissance art. Their tools and strategies resulted in a powerfully believable spatial depth very different from the emphasis on minute detail of their Northern counterparts.
Link #1: Intro to Renaissance Florence
Link #2: Brunelleschi’s Linear Perspective
Link #3: Empire of the Eye: Illusionism of the Renaissance pt. 1
Link #4: Empire of the Eye: Illusionism of the Renaissance pt. 2
Link #5: How Linear Perspective works
Link #6: Masaccio, Holy Trinity
Link #7: Ghiberti and the Gates of Paradise
Link #8: Donatello’s David
Link #9: Birth of Venus on Smarthistory
More Learning Resources
Remember, since we can’t cover everything about art in this class, these reading assignments are based on the choices I have made for what to include, but there is much more that has not been included. If you are interested in learning more, please remember that our primary source, the Khan Academy, has lots of other videos and articles that explore this time and culture even further. You can explore them at Khan Academy (Early Italian Renaissance) or SmartHistory (Early Italian Renaissance).
The following links are not required reading for this unit, but if you are interested in learning more, you might enjoy exploring these resources
Birth of Venus on Google Art Project
Linear Perspective Interactive
This is a fun demonstration of linear perspective. Be sure to drag the points (marked with letters) around to see how every line must correspond to the vanishing point.