Introduction | Sites to Explore | Conclusion

Introduction

The purpose of this activity is to give you a sampling of some of the aspects of Renaissance Art and Literature. The websites have been carefully chosen to interest you and the questions challenge you to make a personal commitment to what you like, believe, or feel. Good luck and have fun learning about Renaissance Art and Literature!

The following links come from all over the Internet and represent a variety of viewpoints. You may answer the questions alone or by working in a group in groups of two or three.

Sites to Explore

The Miracle of the Thirsty Man: Giotto Questions:

1. Describe the expressions of the people portrayed in this painting? What emotions is the painter trying to capture on the faces of the individuals in this picture? What do you think their thoughts are?
2. In terms of this picture being realistic, are their flaws in the artists rendition of the scenery and landscape? Explain some of the problems you have identified with proportion and depth? Use examples.

Leonardo daVinci

 

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci Questions:

1. Mona Lisa's smile his intrigued viewers for centuries? What do you think she may be smiling about? Describe what you think she is feeling?
2. The Mona Lisa is a classic example of art imitating nature. In what ways has Da Vinci imitated nature in this portrait?
3. Is this portrait more realistic than Giotto's? If so, in what ways? If not, how are the two the same?

The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci Questions:

1. Looking at the depiction of the faces of Jesus and his disciples can you get a sense as to what they are thinking or feeling? Give two examples.
2. In terms of depth and proportion, has Da Vinci made this painting appear as realistic as a snap shot picture he could have taken if he had lived during the time of Christ and cameras existed? Explain.

 

Michelangelo

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel - Ceiling Frescoes Questions:

1. As you glance at the images of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, what are three words that you might use to describe what you see? Why did you choose these words?
2. What three words would you use to describe Michelangelo, as an artist, knowing that he spent 4 years painting this 41 x 13 m ceiling?

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel - Creation of Adam Questions:

1. How has the artist made the images of Adam and God in this painting appear realistic?
2. How does the artist use proportion to illustrate the relationship between God and Adam?
3. What elements of this painting represent the feel of Renaissance art and artists?

Elements of Old English Poetry Questions:

1. Describe two literature elements used in Old English poetry?

Examples of Old English Poetry Questions:

1. Look through two examples of Old English poetry from the samples provided. Read both poems in Old English and Modern English versions. What are the themes of these poems?

Christopher Marlowe

 

Christopher Marlowe: 'The Passionate Shepherd To His Love' Questions:

1. What is this poem about?
2. What are three pleasures that the Shepherd has offered the Nymph? Of these gifts which would the Shepherd have to buy? Which gifts would be expensive? Which gifts would last forever?

Sir Water Raleigh

 

Sir Walter Raleigh: 'The Nymph's Reply to The Shepherd' Questions:

1. Is the Nymph in this poem willing to accept the offers of the Shepherd? If so, under what condition?
2. If you were the Nymph being offered these gifts from the Shepherd would you also have a list of conditions or would you consent to share his love? Explain.
3. How is the theme of these two poems different from the themes you identified in the Old English examples.

Edmund Spencer

 

Edmund Spenser: 'from Amoretti' Questions:

1. Look at Sonnet 30. Explain the message of this poem.
2. Is Spenser a romantic, like Marlowe's Shepherd, or a realist, like Raleigh's Nymph?

William Shakespeare

 

William Shakespeare: Sonnet 18 Questions:

1. What would you say this sonnet is about? How do you know?
2. Is the tone and idea of this poem more like Marlowe's poem or Raleigh's poem? Explain.

Petrarch

 

Petrarch Sonnet 140 Soleasi Nel Mio Cor Questions:

1. What is the message of this poem?
2. How is this poem similar to Shakespeare's sonnets?
3. How is this poem different from Shakespeare's examples?

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Conclusion

'Often the clearest expression of an era's ideals and values can be seen in its art, architecture, and literature.' Use the visual and text examples provided in the web links posted to explain how artists and writers from the Renaissance era demonstrated a change in values from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Consider whether individual artists and writers during the Renaissance have the power to change the perspective of others and perhaps a larger collective worldview? Expand your thoughts to consider whether the values and ideals that we as a Western culture share, continue to be expressed in our art, architecture and literature today? How have these ideals and values changed since the time of the Renaissance?

Record your reflective response to these questions in a word document. (Suggested length of response is 500 to 800 words.)

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