Early Modern Period art was a period of artistic development that began in the 16th century, during the Renaissance. The Early Modern Period saw a flourishing of artistic expression and ideas, particularly in the visual arts.
This period was characterized by a strong sense of individualism and experimentation, which led to the development of new styles, techniques, and media. Artists of this period sought to break away from traditional methods of representation, instead creating works that expressed their own personal style.
The Early Modern Period is often divided into two sub-periods: Mannerism (c.1520-1600) and Baroque (c.1600-1750). During Mannerism, artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael explored more complex compositions with an emphasis on movement, balance, and harmony. Baroque art was even more dramatic, featuring rich colors and dramatic lighting to create an emotional impact on viewers.
The rise of independent nation-states during this period also created new opportunities for artists to express their national identity through their work. Painters like Peter Paul Rubens were commissioned to create vast works celebrating the achievements of rulers and other powerful figures. Similarly, sculptors like Gian Lorenzo Bernini sought to create monumental works that would awe viewers with their size and intricacy.
During this period, many new art forms emerged – including landscape painting, portraiture, genre painting and still life – which allowed painters to explore new themes such as nature or everyday life. Printmaking also flourished during this time with masters such as Rembrandt creating expressive etchings and engravings that could be widely distributed around the world.
The development of modern science during this time also had an impact on art; painters such as Johannes Vermeer used optical devices to achieve new levels of realism in their work while others like Caravaggio experimented with light sources in order to create dramatic chiaroscuro effects in their paintings.
Overall, Early Modern Period art was characterized by a strong sense of individualism and experimentation as well as a desire to celebrate national identity through creative expression. The emergence of new media allowed artists to explore themes such as nature or everyday life while scientific advances opened up new possibilities for realism or abstraction in painting or printmaking.
Conclusion: What Is Early Modern Period Art?
Early Modern Period art was a period of artistic development that began in the 16th century during the Renaissance which saw a flourishing of artistic expression and ideas particularly in the visual arts. This period was characterized by a strong sense of individualism and experimentation which led to the development of new styles techniques media forms and subject matter.