Classical Art styles were instrumental in the development of early Christian art.When one looks at the time periods when religious artwork was at its height of popularity, the majority of people were illiterate. At these times, religious themed art would have been instrumental in teaching common people about the lessons and stories of the bible/
One if the greatest examples of well know religious paintings is Michelangelo’s works on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s brilliant work featured nine different scenes from the biblical book of Genesis. Each figure is a fine example of Michelangelo’s knowledge of anatomy with a sense of ideal beauty. One can only imagine how special it would have been to worship under such a powerful painting. These stories are illustrated so that the viewer can get an understanding of the biblical stories Michelangelo has depicted. Without prior knowledge of the story or the ability to read, this group of paintings could be understood by the ignorant and yet still powerful and moving to the most knowledgeable of society.
When I think of an example of a painting that depicts the utter beauty of the human body, Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” comes to mind. Although the viewer’s eye cannot help but focus on Venus whose pose and elongated body is one of gracefulness and innocence. In this work of art, Venus is seen as a symbol of mystery and beauty. In both Pagan and Christian love for beauty, “The Birth of Venus” is a wonderful example of how a nude figure’s body can be depicted in an idealized painting style to bring the painting’s meaning across to the viewer. The function is to relate a mythological tale. This type of symbolism is often borrowed in Christian art.
A combination of political, social, economic, religious, and cultural factors all affected changes occurring in art during the Renaissance. Social and political factors are particularly evident in the subject matter of “The School of Athens”, while religion and culture plays a role in “The Birth of Venus”. During this time social, economic, and religious discord, came a new interest in humanity and the natural world.
There was a particular interest in religious study this time period leading to the development of Renaissance style. Painting also began to change the medieval style where compositions were stiff and posed. Most paintings were still for religious purposes but began to have less posed more realistic forms. (Murray, 1985)Religious art can be a powerful tool to anyone, ignorant, literate, or scholarly. Paintings help convey different stories and often messages that many may not have even realized while reading the Bible. Religious paintings are very interesting in that each is unique and no two painters interpret a subject of meaning the same way. A great insight into how religion has changed over the course of history that might otherwise have been lost if not for art.
Works Cited:
Murray, P. (1985). The art of the renaissance. Thames and Hudson.
