Renaissance Vision

This sequence explores the transition from Medieval to Renaissance art, focusing on the development of linear perspective, human anatomy in art, and the cultural shift toward Humanism. Students will analyze masterpieces like 'The School of Athens' and apply mathematical principles to create their own realistic artworks.

The Great Shift

Students analyze side-by-side comparisons of Medieval and Renaissance paintings to identify differences in realism, depth, and subject matter. They explore how the cultural movement of Humanism began to change the way artists saw the world.

Vanishing Point Logic

A technical workshop where students learn the geometric rules of one-point linear perspective rediscovered by Brunelleschi. Students practice using vanishing points and orthogonal lines to create the illusion of 3D space.

Anatomy of Realism

Students explore how the study of human anatomy influenced artistic realism, focusing on the work of Michelangelo and Da Vinci. They conduct a measurement lab to test the proportions defined in the Vitruvian Man.

Athens Deep Dive

A deep-dive analysis of Raphael's 'The School of Athens'. Students identify key Greek philosophers, observe the application of perspective, and decode the symbolic revival of classical antiquity.

Masterpiece Workshop

Students act as Renaissance apprentices to create a final perspective drawing that incorporates humanistic elements. They complete the project by writing an artist statement that reflects on their use of Renaissance techniques.