Name: Jean-Baptiste Matthieu (0788490) Painting the Life of Christ in Medieval and Renaissance Italy: 1.

What purposes did religious images perform for Christian churches during the Middle Ages and Renaissance? What were the most likely formats for religious images from the time? The need for representations of Christ's life in Italy was based on official practice within the Western Church. From the time of Pope Gregory the Great (r. 590604), images were valued both as lessons for the unlettered and as aids to worship. Scenes from Christ's life were thus desirable in churches, on frescoed walls and painted altarpieces, and also in portable form, in illustrated books and small altarpieces suitable for private consumption. 2. What aspects of the life of Christ were emphasized by late medieval and Renaissance artworks? How does this differ from other historical periods? Given what we know of the time, why might Renaissance artists prefer to focus on Christs humanity? In late medieval and Renaissance Italy, theologians continually emphasized the humanity of Christ and the need for the faithful to lead lives modeled on Christ's own. This perspective welcomed visual images that stressed his human existence and particularly favored themes related to his earthly birth and death The relative neglect of other parts of Christ's life nevertheless distinguishes Italian painting of the Renaissance and after from many other European traditions. 3. Despite the limitations of their patrons, in what ways did Italian artists have freedom when painting scenes from the life of Christ? A wealthy layman or an ecclesiastical body might offer a commission, and the patron would typically specify the subject to be depicted. Since scenes from Christ's life were commonly requested, artists were trained not only in the skills needed to produce them and but also in the traditions that conditioned patrons' expectations. 4. This article explains some of the reasons why Renaissance artists are interested in representing the human body accurately. According to our studies of Renaissance art so far, what important influence is left out of this discussion? In other words, what previous group of people before Renaissance times shared this interest in the human body as a worthwhile subject for art? Scientists studying the human body with great precision; and artists using these studies to create artwork emphasizing the true human form..

5. Ultimately, this article claims that the religious framework for Italian art did not stifle the creativity of Renaissance artists. Based on what you know of religious art from the time so far, do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?