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  • Essay / Nude Art in the Medieval and Renaissance Periods

    This article explains the history and development of nude art in the Renaissance and Medieval periods. During the Renaissance era, patrons and artists re-adopted the antiquity of classical Greek in the depiction of the nude. It was a time when drastic changes occurred, during which Christian authorities no longer considered nude art as something contradictory or shameful. On the contrary, they believed that the Reformed nude in ancient antiquity represented divine characteristics and emancipated pure and heroic light (Long, 2008; Bonfante, 1989; Tinagli, 1997). To better understand why, during the Renaissance era, nude art brilliantly represented human anatomy, the work of some of the most notable artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Masaccio and Dürer is described (Long, 2008). These spirits welcomed classical antiquity into their paintings and sculpture and often Greek sporting figures and the mythological figure of Venus were used as ideal models to represent nude art (Bonfante, 1989). The classical revival of nude art had specific roles attached to the male and female nude in the art world. Religious figures were depicted in ancient forms to convey their theological status and importance. Unlike the Renaissance period, medieval depiction of nude art was rare and religious authorities opposed its development because they believed it could lead to sin and degradation (Long, 2008; Steinberg, 1983). In brief, this article will present a historical overview of nude art and how various cultural attitudes toward nude depiction existed in each period. The rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman antiquity in Renaissance Italy created a perfect climate for creation.... .. middle of paper ......ver surpasses its extraordinary success. The extensive collection of antique nudes grew out of this era and has enriched the world today with his remarkable work. It seems that, as Michelangelo explains, God stirred up divine gifts in their intellects, gifts designed to be shared and enjoyed with the whole world. Works CitedLong, JC, (2008). The Birth of Venus by Botticelli as a wedding painting. Aurora, The Journal of Art History, 9, p.1. ISSN 1527-652X.Gromling, A. & Lingesleben,T. (1998). Botticelli 1444/45-1510 [Translation from German; Fiona Hulse] (1st ed.). Cologne, Germany: Neue Stalling, Oldenburg. Tinagli, P. (1997). Women in Italian Renaissance Art: Gender Representational Identity. Manchester, University Press. Bonfante, L. (1989). Nudity as costume in classical art. American Journal of Archaeology, 93(4), 543-570. (Greek male nude, excellent )