History of Art: Medieval and Renaissance

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Table of Contents

Medieval Education
Medieval Literature
Renaissance Genius
References

Medieval Education

Stained Glass Windows, Chartres Cathedral in 1250 A.D.

Several lessons on Christianity can be drawn from the stained glass windows. They had a magnificent aesthetic appearance (Janson & Janson, 2003). This can make a person develop a unique perception of Christianity. For instance, one can easily associate Christianity with wealth and splendor. The use of these windows in cathedrals indicates a sign of wealth. Therefore, a person may deduce that Christianity involved the practice of extortion.

These windows were only used within wealthy households and institutions. The stained glass windows presented the horrific appearance of hell. From these, one can learn how Christians fear hell. There are also important lessons on Christian beliefs. A person could learn important historical occurrences in Christianity. These include creation, the revolution of Christianity, and basic Christian beliefs.

The Subject of the “Summa”

The 1250 A.D. was characterized by important historical occurrences. As a doctorate student during this time, I would choose art as my “summa” subject. There were various artistic works during this period (Janson & Janson, 2003). My particular interests would be on the meanings of the various artworks during this time. My studies would be purely based on the artwork applied to Christianity. It would be necessary to investigate the role of these artworks in explaining the revolution of Christianity.

Medieval Literature

Dante’s Assignment of Sins to the Nine Levels of Hell in the Inferno

There are significant debates about Dante’s assignment of sins to the various levels of hell. I agree with this assignment. Ideally, the relation of these descriptions to the present world is evident (Gardner & Kleiner, 2010). Most of the sins described within these nine levels are presently common. For instance, individuals strive to comfort themselves at the expense of their mates. Generally, people like accumulating earthly riches. It is also notable that individuals are more reluctant to take resolute positions. Dante also describes a group of people who lacked a resolute stance. These people only struggled to satisfy themselves. All these nine levels described by Dante are emblematic within the present society.

My Best Author of the Medieval Literature

There are several works of different authors during the medieval period. Dante is my best author of medieval literature. There are several reasons for this. Dante’s poems are relevant and applicable to the present society. His literal works were very impressive. Dante based his literal thoughts on everyday life occurrences. He was a potential politician and poet who captured the interests of many people (Poggi, 2009). Dante had eminent philosophical ideologies and perceptions of Christianity. Dante also managed to develop diverse literature materials.

Renaissance Genius

The Studio of Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo Da Vinci played important role in the development of different subjects. I would choose his studio. The first question I would ask this Italian polymath is how he trained on all the subjects. This is because he had a very good mastery of all subjects. It is evident that Leonardo Da Vinci multi-tasked in several subjects. These covered both science and the arts. I would also ask him the lady he had in mind when he developed the “Mona Lisa” painting (Janson & Janson, 2003). This is because the woman painting is globally renowned. It has also been widely applied in other literary works.

The Qualities Outlined By Giorgio Vasari

Leonardo Da Vinci fits the basic genius qualities described by Giorgio Vasari. Even though Leonardo Da Vinci was born in a poor family, he struggled to excel in all fields. His genius mastery of artwork is notable (Janson & Janson, 2003). Most of his artworks are still globally renowned. The Mona Lisa painting is one of the most striking artistic developments. These works are attributed to his genius nature. Generally, Leonardo Da Vinci meets the genius qualities in Vasari’s description.

Renaissance Self-Help Books

Machiavelli’s principle of “the end justifies the means” has widely been applied politically (Louw, 2010). The actions of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe can be likened to this principle. The power struggles that Mugabe engaged in during the last election can potentiate this argument. Despite his defeat by the opponent, Mugabe forcefully remained in power. The country underwent a tough economic time, predominated with civil wars and sanctions.

A Contemporary Woman with the Qualities Advocated by d’Este, Cereta, or Marinella

Ellen Johnson–Sir leaf is a modern woman with the qualities advocated by d’Este, Cereta, and Marinella. As the Liberian president, Ellen Johnson is one of the contemporary women who have defied all odds (Marinelli, Dunhill & Panizza, 1999). She is the first democratically elected African female president. She has ventured into the leadership arena. Politics and leadership were earlier left for men. Her educational achievements are also great. A bibliographical analysis indicates Ellen Johnson as a great fighter who does not despair. Indeed, she meets some of the qualities advocated by d’Este, Cereta, and Marinella.

References

Gardner, H. & Kleiner, F. S. (2010). Gardner’s art through the ages: A concise western history. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Janson, H. W. & Janson, A. F. (2003). History of art: The Western tradition. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice-Hall.

Louw, P. E. (2010). The media and political process. London: Sage Publ.

Marinelli, L., Dunhill, A. & Panizza, L. (1999). The nobility and excellence of women, and the defects and vices of men. Chicago, Ill: University of Chicago Press.

Poggi, C. (2009). Inventing futurism: The art and politics of artificial optimism. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

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