There were many great artists during the Renaissance. Perhaps the most famous are Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Other artists, however, also had great influence both during Renaissance times and later.
Giotto di Bondone (1267- 1337)
Giotto is the first painter to be considered a Renaissance artist. He was hired to paint a Fresco in a family chapel (教堂) in Padua, Italy, known as the Arena Chapel. Fresco is a painting made on a wall while the plaster (灰泥) is still wet. Many consider Giotto to be the father of the modern period of art.
Jan van Eyck (1390-1441)
Jan van Eyck’s early influences more than likely came from his brother Hubert. In fact, Jan would sometimes finish his brother’s works. The Ghent Altarpiece is an example of Jan finishing what Hubert started. Jan van Eyck perfected the techniques of oil painting. He is often known as “the father of Renaissance painting” because of all the new techniques and advances he made in oil painting.
Masaccio (1401-1428)
Masaccio was a famous painter of the Italian Renaissance. He lived a very short life and only a few of his paintings exist, but they were so different to the style of other artists around him that they helped other painters to see things in a new way. Masaccio is often called “the father of Renaissance painting”. He introduced the painting of the life-like figures that had not been done previously in the Middle Ages.
Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520)
Raphael’s paintings were known for their perfection. He was first taught art by his father. He also learned early techniques from Michelangelo and da Vinci. Rapheal’s influence on art has been great. He changed the way people looked at art, since he painted real life and emotions. He was one of the most detailed portraitists ever, and is considered as the genius (天才) of the High Renaissance.
25. Who is considered to be the father of the modern period of art?
A. Masaccio B. Giotto di Bondone C. Raphael Sanzio D. Jan van Eyck
26. What was Masaccio’s contribution to the Renaissance art in the Middle Ages?
A. He perfected the technique of oil painting.
B. He was the first one to paint on a wet plaster wall.
C. He finished The Ghent Altarpiece started by Hubert.
D. He was the first one to paint lifelike figures.
27. What do we know about Raphael Sanzio from the text?
A. He died in his twenties. B. He only had a few paintings.
C. His father was his first art teacher. D. He was the most famous portraitist.