Romanticism, Baroque and Renaissance Paintings’ Analysis Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

This paper is aimed at discussing three paintings that represent such periods in the history of art as Romanticism, the Baroque, and the Renaissance. It is possible to focus on such artworks as the Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar Friedrich, The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio, and Raphael’s The School of Athens. These painting have been chosen because they illustrate the main themes and techniques used by artists who represent cultural epochs. These are the main questions that should be discussed more closely.

In his painting, Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, Caspar Friedrich depicts a man who stands among the ridges and looks at the fog-covered mountains. The face of this man is hidden from the viewers and it is possible only to see his hair flow in the wind. The person looks at the landscape, and one can discern the trees on the top of some ridges. However, the overall impression is that the entire landscape is filled with fog. This painting has been chosen because Caspar Friedrich to depict a typical Romantic or even Byronic character who does not seeks exile or solitude. Such a person pays more attention to nature, rather than social relations. It seems that Caspar Friedrich gives an excellent portrayal of such an individual. This is why this artwork can be regarded as a good example of Romantic painting.

Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar Friedrich
Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar Friedrich

Secondly, one should look at such a painting The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio who is viewed as one of the most prominent representatives of the Baroque art. This painting depicts Jesus who is captured by Roman soldiers. Moreover, one can see two of Jesus’ pupils, namely John and Judas. Caravaggio focuses on Jesus’ reaction to the arrival of soldiers. He seems to be impervious to the threat of arrest. In contrast, John attempts to flee. This painting represents some of the main techniques used by Baroque artists. Much attention should be paid to the sharp contrast between dark and light. This technique is known as chiaroscuro. Furthermore, Caravaggio paints a very dark background, and one cannot tell where the action takes place. Overall, Baroque painters also adopt this approach. Finally, one should mention religious theme play an important role for many Baroque painters or sculptors. These are the main characteristics that can be distinguished.

The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio
The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio

Finally, one should focus on the famous fresco The School of Athens created by Raphael. The author depicts the most important Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle, or Plato. The characters are located in a building that resembles the classical examples of Roman and Greek architecture. It should be kept in mind that in this fresco, Raphael depicts some of his prominent contemporaries such as Leonardo da Vinci or Bramante. There are several reasons why this fresco can be viewed as a prominent example of Renaissance painting. First of all, one should mention the artists’ fascination with classical art and philosophy. Secondly, it is important to speak about the softening of edges. Moreover, the transition between is softened. These methods were employed by many Renaissance painters like Leonardo da Vinci or Botticelli.

The School of Athens by Raphael
The School of Athens by Raphael

These examples suggest that there are certain artworks which can be viewed as classical examples of different art period. The chosen painting represents the most eloquent characteristics of the Renaissance, the Baroque, and Romanticism.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2020, May 26). Romanticism, Baroque and Renaissance Paintings' Analysis. https://ivypanda.com/essays/romanticism-baroque-and-renaissance-paintings-analysis/

Work Cited

"Romanticism, Baroque and Renaissance Paintings' Analysis." IvyPanda, 26 May 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/romanticism-baroque-and-renaissance-paintings-analysis/.

References

IvyPanda. (2020) 'Romanticism, Baroque and Renaissance Paintings' Analysis'. 26 May.

References

IvyPanda. 2020. "Romanticism, Baroque and Renaissance Paintings' Analysis." May 26, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/romanticism-baroque-and-renaissance-paintings-analysis/.

1. IvyPanda. "Romanticism, Baroque and Renaissance Paintings' Analysis." May 26, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/romanticism-baroque-and-renaissance-paintings-analysis/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Romanticism, Baroque and Renaissance Paintings' Analysis." May 26, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/romanticism-baroque-and-renaissance-paintings-analysis/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
1 / 1