Difference between Renaissance and Baroque

This is Michelangelo’s David one of the most famous sculptures in the world. It is a prime example of a renaissance sculpture. Notice how the sculpture isn’t depicting much movement. Just the classic contrapposto pose of having the weight on one leg creating asymmetry but still a relatively balanced and vertical sculpture.

This is Bernini’s David from the Baroque art period. Notice how this is much more of a action shot almost like some one took a photo of David mid sling. Also as notice how the position of the limbs and body create diagonals. The twist of the body creates a bit of a spiral.

This is The school of Athens by Raphael and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Renaissance. Note the balance of the composition. If you drew a line down the middle there would be roughly the same amount of people on both sides. That line would also bisect the two central figures. Also you can see a lot of depth in the negative space or background. Also extra credit if you can find Michelangelo’s cameo and Raphael’s self portrait

This is The Lion Hunt by Peter Paul Rubens. First notice how much the subject matter fills the composition as opposed to the School of Athens. There is almost no background. Look at the layout as well it is unbalance, with the right side of the painting being much darker than the left. And finally notice the angles of the spears and bodies creating diagonals through out the painting.