On Painting, By L.B. Alberti
Medieval art is the art, including architecture that was produced in Europe during the Middle Ages-from the fall of Rome in 500 CE to the start of the early modern period in approximately 1500 CE. Most medieval art and architecture is religious, but the Church was not the sole patron of art in the medieval period. In fact, much of the religious art of the period was commissioned by secular powers. Medieval artists depended, in varying degrees, on the artistic heritage of the Roman Empire and upon the legacy of the early Christian church, mixed with the vigorous "Barbarian" artistic culture of Northern Europe. It is difficult to define a unified style for all European medieval art because this time period covers many different regions and styles. However, all European Medieval art offers a stylistic treatment that emphasizes spiritual values through an intentional denial of the ancient classical traditions of naturalism and illusionism. L.B. Alberti's On Painting was an important piece in that it was the first modern treatise on painting and influenced many painters of the period. On Painting established the rules for how to paint a three-dimensional subject on a flat panel or wall. The three
Therefore, when showing a live person, all the parts of his body should be alive with movement; this is similar to ancient art, but finds no presence in medieval art. Alberti believed that Humanistic studies improve the soul, and that painting also improves the soul, and because of this, he believed that painting should be added to the list of humanistic studies, including grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, and music. For this reason always take from nature that which you wish to paint. Alberti takes to art with more an approach more similar to a Renaissance artist. Alberti says that one should paint instead of work because painting will improve the mind, bring pleasure, and may bring renown and riches with it. " He also emphasizes how to use illusionism in art. " Alberti emphasizes how an artist should take from nature his form of art and that the art should very closely resemble the appearance of those forms in nature, "So great is the force of anything drawn from nature. One characteristic that Alberti shares with medieval art is that he recognizes the spiritual importance of art, in the way it can move one's soul. Painting is related to the art of sculpture, but painting ranks higher because it is a more difficult art. According to Alberti, painting was a gift of the gods, influenced the practices of those who worship, and elevated souls. " Painting also influences architecture and other arts. Therefore he uses illusionism where the art seems to be tangible and weighty, existing within the actual space. For example, the head does not turn past the shoulders, and the hands are usually not above the head.
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