High Renaissance

            As the Classical Greeks depicted male nude athletic ideal, the High Renaissance on the other hand depicted an authoritative renewal of antiquity, humanism and adherence to theory and treaties. In High Renaissance art, the figures were done with supreme craftsmanship that the viewer of the piece can almost feel that at any moment it would simply come to life. There was also the quest for perfection of the body and soul and these are also found in the artworks produced during the time, such as in the infusion of pagan subjects with the highest form of Catholic doctrines in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. 

            There is a great difference between Italian Renaissance and Venetian Renaissance most notably in the sense that the Italian Renaissance appeals to the intellect, as they were influenced by northern Europe; while the Venetian Renaissance is to the emotions. Since Venice is far from Rome, it is independent from the Church. At the same time the artists did not enjoy the same privileges as the Italian artists. The landscape of Venice also has an influence on the arts produced. The lagoon itself eventually paved way to idealization of landscape and nature in Venetian works.

            Architecture during the Renaissance was basically Christian, particularly in Italy since the Church had much influence on the buildings, which are generally Churches, produced at that time. The church was the highest form of art for the artists during that time and the visitors are greeted by these buildings which were accorded with different paintings and sculptures of holy images. At the same time, there was also the influence of mathematical harmony and so these buildings or churches were built with ratios. Thus during this time the circle, since it was perfect, in some cases became the symbol of God. And this became the basis of the church plan.