Summary
Firstly, how Greek sculpture was reborn in Italy with the Renaissance and how the Kings and Emperors all over Europe wanted to own these exciting and stunning new works.
We saw how the wealth of rich merchants and the church each looked to project their power and status in society, representing different qualities in their sculptures.
This success revitalised cities and new civic pride attracted further business and wealth
In commissioning a work, the patron can determine how the artist portrays the subject and so the patron can influence the public’s perception of both himself and of the society that they live in. Status in society can be a driving force.
The patron influences the art and the art influences society
Leonardo da Vinci’s few works of art have achieved fame both by their exquisite technique and also by the fame generated in media, often influencing the public’s opinion. The copies made at the same time by his apprentices, may provide a truer picture.
Then Leonardo’s futuristic inventions; many of which were only realised 400 years later in the 20th century and show the levels of creativity reached by him in the 15th century, although never realised.
How the church became so rich it initiated a rebuilding of the city of Rome and demanded the best artists to come to decorate it. This led to the Pope’s ambition to commission the huge work by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, that defies the human spirit.
Then the evolution to the flamboyance and theatrical compositions of the Baroque that provided sculptures charged with vitality and emotion.
A renaissance that heralded a new society and culture and inspired art that takes our breath away today.
Sources of information
A BBC series ‘Civilisation’, provides a history of art and society from the middle ages to the present day, over 13 episodes