Similarities Between Northern And Italian Renaissance

There are many differences in the works of those from the Northern Early Renaissance to those of the Early Italian Renaissance. However, there are also many similarities. The Style of art from the Northern Early Renaissance can be seen as truly remarkable. This is where realism starts to really take off. Perspective is used more appropriately and oil paints are introduced into the mix as a new medium. Giving artists something else try and master. All of this leading up to some of the greatest pieces of their respective era, including, but not limited to, Jan Van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece, Rogier Van Der Weyden’s Last Judgement, and Konrad Witz’ Miraculous Draught of Fish.

The Early Italian Renaissance, may look relatively similar at first glance

Early Italian Renaissance seems to be the leader in both of these. Masaccio alone shows outstanding command of both. His conquering of shadows can be best seen in his work entitled “Tribute”, and his artistry of perspective can be seen in “The Holy Trinity”.

There are many similarities in these two as well as differences. It seems that no matter what time period the figures are always painted to match the characteristics of those in the area. Although this goes against the relative geological area the scenes in the bible depict, it seems to be done to make the locals feel more involved with the religion its self. There are other similarities as well, things like overall subject matter, symbolism, and the laying of fabric.

The roles of the patrons even change somewhat considerably in these eras. Patrons of the Northern Early Renaissance were more inclined to pay artists to paint them into popular scenes from the bible. It did not matter if they were paying for this in offering to the church or to simply hang in their own home, as this was to help abolish them of past sins in the hopes that it would grant them access to heaven. It also helped to provide even more work for the artist and making them more popular among the church

The funding of art simply to have it, is more pronounced than it was in the Northern Early Renaissance. This was seen often by the Medici family, they paid artists, even those with poor temperament, to create things for them. Some of these arts were kept in the home as personal wants of the family, others like Filippo Brunelleschi’s dome, were to show the immense power of their wealth. No matter what the need of the patron’s art was, this offered even more chances of paying work for the artist.

If you were to simply gloss over these two eras you might see them blurring together ever so slightly. As the overall art style stayed somewhat similar on a surface level. Digging deeper we can see that the Early Italian Renaissance brought a lot to the table in a more elaborate and carefully conducted setting. Making the art more about the angles and the setup. However, the Northern Early Renaissance had a lot to offer in terms of physical detail. Having remarkable details such as reflective water, the individualism of painting hair, and pattern use.

There can’t truly be a ‘winner’ of these two eras. They both offer far too much to art and artists as a whole. This also makes it clear to see that both eras, despite their differences and even their similarities, showcase an immense amount of talent that should be