Art History Academic Paper
Topic: Stylistic analysis of The Last Supper
Subject: The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci
Medium: Tempera and oil paint on Dry wall
Overview
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (1495–98), painted on the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, is a masterpiece of the High Renaissance known for its emotional depth and artistic innovation. Leonardo used oil-based paints to capture intricate detail and employed linear perspective to focus attention on Christ at the center. The disciples' varied expressions—ranging from shock to anger—reflect the moment Jesus reveals his betrayal, embodying human emotion in crisis. With a cohesive color palette and dynamic composition, the painting conveys both individuality and unity. Beyond its technical brilliance, The Last Supper explores profound religious and human themes, making it a timeless work of art.
Key Points Covered:
- Innovative Technique: Leonardo used oil-based paints instead of traditional fresco to capture greater detail and expression.
- Linear Perspective: All lines converge at Christ’s head in the center, guiding the viewer’s focus and creating depth.
- Emotional Expressions: The disciples' varied emotions—shock, anger, sadness—reflect the moment Jesus announces his betrayal.
- Cohesive Color Palette: Leonardo’s use of earthy tones with brighter clothing ensures both individuality and unity among the figures.
- Religious and Human Themes: The painting explores profound ideas about betrayal, crisis, and the human condition, making it a timeless masterpiece.
Vocabulary terms covered :
Art History Academic Paper
Topic: Cultural Analysis of The David Sculpture
Subject: David, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni
Medium: Carrara Marble
Overview
Michelangelo’s David (1501–1504) is a renowned masterpiece of the Renaissance, standing 5.5 meters tall with its base and weighing over 5,000 kilograms. Unlike earlier depictions of David, Michelangelo portrays the Biblical hero before his battle with Goliath, emphasizing his confidence, strength, and self-determination. Originally created as a religious symbol, the sculpture later took on political significance, becoming an emblem of the Florentine Republic's ideals of independence and resilience. The statue’s detailed anatomy, with tensed muscles, a smirking expression, and dynamic posture, reflects Michelangelo's mastery in blending classical Greek aesthetics with the spirit of human potential emerging from the Middle Ages.
Key Points Covered:
- Creation and Scale: Michelangelo sculpted David between 1501–1504; the statue stands 5.5 meters tall with its base and weighs over 5,000 kilograms.
- Depiction of David: Unlike earlier versions, Michelangelo portrays David before his battle with Goliath, emphasizing confidence, strength, and self-determination.
- Religious to Political Symbolism: Originally a religious work, David became a symbol of the Florentine Republic’s ideals of independence and resilience.
- Artistic Mastery: The detailed anatomy, dynamic posture, and expressive face reflect Michelangelo’s ability to combine classical Greek aesthetics with Renaissance ideals.
- Current Locations: The original sculpture is housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence, with replicas at Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria.