Influence of Humanism in Renaissance Art

            During the Renaissance Era, humanism became a central motif for painters, sculptors, and artists of the like. In the artistic periods prior, such as the Medieval Era, the content of most works was religious-based. In the High Renaissance, we start to slowly move away from this. Religious scenes or characters were still being depicted, but in a different light. Perhaps the messages conveyed by art in the High Renaissance are aimed toward more human-based ideals rather than religious themes. The beauty in the human form and humanity itself were discovered and, for the most part, replaced the beauty of divinity and holiness. The Renaissance marks a developing curiosity and keen interest in the individual.

            Unlike representations of the human figure in the Medieval Era, which were usually clothed and a bit lifeless, portrayals of human beings in Renaissance art more often than not appear nude and full, embracing humanism. Artists focused more on composition than content and subject matter. For example, Michelangelo’s David is a majestic sort of piece due not only to the mythological basis on which it was created, but also the astonishing craftsmanship. David looks as though he is about to move at any moment. The muscles are full and deliver a sense of strength; the viewer can almost imagine blood pulsing through the veins in his hands; and I wouldn’t be surprised if he were cracked open to find organs. Michelangelo is known to have studied the human body as well, which contributes to his anatomically correct figures. He even seems to have added muscle in places to try and further his portrayal of the form and the ideals of humanism. It depicts the male form in idealized perfection, and in this way, idealism and humanism work together.

            Another influence of humanism on art of the Renaissance is the passing of representing haloes over holy figures. This also shows the receding religious values during the time. Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper even makes Christ and his disciples more of the Earth and human-like in withdrawing their haloes, since we do not see haloes in reality. However, the rounded pediment over the doorway in the background acts as an architectural halo and symbolizes Christ’s holiness in a realistic way.