The production of artworks in the
Renaissance
Tasos Tachtantzis
English translation, Alexandra Papadopoulou
Renaissance
Introduction
“If we are to call any age golden, it is beyond doubt that age which brings forth
golden talents in different places. That such is true of this our age [no one] will
hardly doubt. For this century, like a golden age, has restored to light the
liberal arts, which were almost extinct: grammar, poetry, rhetoric, painting,
sculpture, architecture, music ... and all this in Florence.”
The above extract is from a letter of a neoplatonic philosopher, Marcilio Ficino
(1433-1499), to a german friend of his in 1499. Judging by his excitement in
his writing, it is safe to assume that we have entered a new “golden” age, a
renascence.
The Renaissance is a movement developed initially in Italy, during the late
Middle Ages, which later spread all over the European continent and thrived
between the 15 th and the 17 th century.
During the Renaissance took place many revolutionary innovations in every
known sector, as well as social agitations and political unrest. It is best known,
however, for the currents developed in the field of the Arts and the contribution
of contemporary renowned artists, architects and scientists, with Leonardo Da
Vinci and Michelangelo by way of example.
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