The Beginning

The Renaissance was an era when artists created an abundance of art that expressed new styles and new techniques. The word Renaissance actually means “Rebirth,” as in a rebirth of values from the Greco-Roman times of naturalistic beauty. Breaking away from the Middle Ages, the new styles of art that surfaced were more humanistic ways of portraying the natural world. Giorgio Vasari, a Renaissance biographer describes artists as taking “ nature as their guide.”

Art historians relate one name with the beginning of Renaissance art and this artist played a crucial part in exemplifying the new styles and techniques. His name is Giotto di Bondone. Many refer to his work as pivotal to the beginning of the Renaissance. He gives his subject matter more naturalistic aspects. This was definitely abandoned during the Middle Ages. He allows his characters to reveal their emotions and give each of his characters their own individual personalities which make them more humanistic and allows the audience to better relate to them. This alone was very significant at the time. His characters also possess weight and volume, which gives us a sense of their presence. His landscapes begin to show depth and perception. This change helped other artists to look to nature as a source of true being. With more humanistic scenes, the audience can react and relate. Giotto's artwork is just the beginning. This road to natural beauty is prolonged and definitely improved. However, Giotto remains a crucial part of this movement towards greater artistic excellence during the Renaisance.