The Renaissance and Humanism

Michelangelo’s David represents humanism and religion of the renaissance period. The sculpture was created during the renaissance period to represent the biblical hero, David, who defeated Goliath, a person bigger than him. The statue also symbolizes the fight for civil liberties in the Republic of Florence. The renaissance era was characterized by new ways of thinking, humanism, science, and the growth of knowledge. Michelangelo’s David shows a conventional renaissance theme if a strong heroic male nude, which often represents human beauty and the strength of the youth as they fight for the liberty and human freedom during renaissance.

Grunewald, Isenheim Alterpiece

Isenheim Alterpiece is Grunewald’s masterpiece created and painted between 1512 and 1516 for the St. Anthony’s monastery in Isenheim. The statue served as an object of devotion in a hospital built by St. Anthony at Isenheim. St. Anthony was a devoted Christian with great concern and patronage for skin diseases. Thus, the image reflected the actions of patronage and humanism during the time period when the sculpture was created. Anthony became a patron saint, devoted to caring for people who suffer from skin diseases. The Antonine monks also cared for the sick, and the image of suffering Christ reflects the afflictions of the sick in the hospital.

Vermeer, the Milkmaid

Vermeer’s The Milkmaid is a painting that depicts realism in the seventeenth century. The painting represents a homely virtue in terms of content and execution. Milkmaids in the time period were used to milking cows, and Vermeer’s painting depicted a milkmaid performing domestic duties in a simple kitchen environment. The artwork is therefore a symbol of domestic virtue, and reflected the Dutch ethics of the 17th century. The image combines both still life painting and genre to portray the fundamentality of home virtues.

Part 4: Short Essay Questions

Question 1

            One of the cultural ingredients of the renaissance era that has had a significant impact on modern societies is the emergence of science. Renaissance is known to be a period of growth of knowledge, when scholars started to study classical texts and question ancient Greek beliefs. As an era of intelligence, people started to focus on laws and reasoning, and several scholars conducted researches on astronomy, medicine, anatomy, mathematics, architecture, and geography. Through such scientific discoveries, the modern society has evolved significantly, leading to improvements in medicine and healthcare. Science has also improved people’s ways of thinking, leading to the use of logic and reasoning rather than unfounded beliefs, and the growth of knowledge and information has improved human societies today.

Question 2

            Martin Luther wrote several essays which were famously known as the 95 theses, and led the reformation of the early Christian church. He opposed the selling of indulgencies, power of the pope, and use of sacraments. Consequently, his criticisms led to a significant level of rejection of the fractured Christian church and the power of the pope. The Reformist’s actions led to the split of the church between Catholics and Protestants, and finally caused conflicts and changed the way religion affected daily lives. With religion having a major role in society, family and politics, Luther’s reformation resulted in the protection of individual rights and freedom of worship.

Question 3

            The work of art that I have found most beautiful and interesting during the semester is The Garden of Earthly Designs. The oil painting depicts the earth’s creation, the admiration of earthly indulgence, flesh desires, and sexual pleasure. Aside from these possible interpretations, the image is beautiful and interesting because it contains good graphic images in natural settings. The artwork has splendid colors with different kinds of animals, people, and plants. The images are unique, demonstrates biblical stories of creation in a natural and spectacular way.