Greco-Roman classicism has greatly impacted the revitalization of Renaissance nudes. Combining an interest in Greco-Roman art and an interest in naturalistic representation, artists had begun to revive Renaissance art. “The first and greatest period of classical art began in Greece about the middle of the 5th century BC” (2). The passion of Greek sculptors to learn “to represent the human form naturally and easily in action or at rest,” (2) has influenced the Renaissance nudes by increasing their appearance as perfect. Greco-Roman classical artists “thought of their gods as people, but grander and more beautiful than any human being. They tried, therefore, to portray ideal beauty rather than any particular person. Their best sculptures achieved almost godlike perfection in their calm, ordered beauty” (2).
Despite the fact that Greco-Roman classicism had begun to influence the revitalization of Renaissance nudes, there are several distinct differences of the representations of the human figure between both Greco-Roman classical nudes and the Renaissance nudes. Renaissance art was a “rebirth of the aspirations towards classical ideals in art. These ideals included realism, harmony, symmetry and the idea that physical perfection in art implied a perfection of both mind and spirit” (Ancient Influences on Renaissance Art). Renaissance nudes were physically perfect. Greco-Roman classical “statues were stiff and flat, but in about the 6th century BC the sculptors began to study the human body and work out its proportions” (2).
The human figure is one of the most commonly celebrated forms of art between the 14th and 17th centuries. Throughout the history of the Renaissance, there are countless examples of art which represent the human figure. In our world today, nudity is shamed upon and thought to be embarrassing. It was not always thought to be humiliating. Due to the revitalization of Renaissance nudes, several artists developed a curiosity to understand human mechanics. One example of a Renaissance nude is Hercules and Antaeus sculpted by Antonio Pollaiuolo. His curiosity in understanding the human body led him to dissect cadavers, which eventually influenced his artwork. Hercules and Antaeus is a bronze sculpture that is based on the Greco-Roman legend between the fight of the Greek hero Hercules, and the son of the Mother of Earth Antaeus. Pollaiuolo has used his knowledge of the human body to portray the tension and energy within the straining muscles and tendons of the two men. The purpose of this sculpture is to capture the men in action, admiring their physique. Not only were sculptors interested in Greco-Roman inspired Classical nudes, but also painters. A second example of a Renaissance nude is the Birth of Venus painted by Sandro Botticelli. Botticelli painted the Greek goddess of love in attempt to portray the body of women. Using many background elements in the painting, Botticelli implemented representations of procreation, fertility, love, and beauty. Both sculptures Hercules and Antaeus, and The Birth of Venus demonstrate juxtapose of the nude to assist in developing contrast. In Hercules and Antaeus, juxtapose is used in order to show the contrast between both men. Both Hercules and Antaeus can be contrasted in their strength, as well as their physical build. In The Birth of Venus, juxtapose is used in order help Venus stand out. She is in the center of the painting beside Zephyr and Chloris, as well as Pomona. Juxtapose is demonstrated in order for the god-like nude representation of Venus to be enhanced.
There is a large line between celebration of physical beauty and pornography. During the Middle Ages, the human figure was thought to be the origin of sin and pleasure. Even though many people believed this idea, many artists rejected it. Their purpose for sculpting bodies such as Hercules, Antaeus, or Venus were not to satisfy sinful pleasures. Classically inspired nude were developed by Renaissance sculptors in order to commemorate the youthful bodies, celebrate the human physique, glorify human action, and admire physical beauty.
Citations
- Ancient Influences on Renaissance Art.†View Article: Ancient Influences on Renaissance Art, depts.washington.edu/hrome/Authors/heberj/AncientInflucesonRenaissanceArt/pub_zbarticle_view_printable.html.
- Greek and Roman Art. Edited by R. A. Guisepi, History-World, history-world.org/arthist.htm.