Early Modern art, which began in the late 15th century, is a period of art that can be described as a bridge between the Renaissance and 19th-century modernism. This period saw a shift in focus from religious and classical themes to the exploration of new ways of expression and individualism. Although the term “early modern” encompasses a range of artistic movements, some common characteristics link them together.
The most significant characteristic of Early Modern art was its emphasis on innovation. Artists experimented with new techniques and materials to create works that were far more expressive than those created during the Renaissance. For example, painters during this period developed techniques such as chiaroscuro (the contrast between light and dark) to add depth and emotion to their paintings.
Other materials such as oil paints, pastels, and even etchings became popular tools for creating new types of compositions.
Early Modern artists also focused heavily on themes related to nature, emotion, and the human experience – especially in comparison to Renaissance art which largely celebrated religious themes or figures from classical mythology. Landscapes were popular amongst painters during this period, as were scenes of everyday life with subtle expressions of humor or sadness.
Notable Artists:
A number of well-known artists emerged during this era including Caravaggio, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Vermeer, Diego Velázquez, Peter Paul Rubens , Johannes Vermeer , Anthony van Dyck , Claude Monet , Edgar Degas , Pierre-Auguste Renoir , Paul Cézanne , Gustav Klimt , Edvard Munch , Amedeo Modigliani , Pablo Picasso , Salvador Dalí and Wassily Kandinsky.
These artists are now considered masters due to their groundbreaking work which pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time. They experimented with various techniques and materials to create some truly masterful pieces that have become iconic examples of Early Modern art.
Conclusion:
Early Modern art is an incredibly important period in the history of art due to its emphasis on experimentation and innovation. It saw artists pushing boundaries in order to create works that expressed emotion or conveyed ideas about nature or everyday life. The works created by these masters laid the foundation for modernism which would follow in later centuries.