The Renaissance - 19th Century

The Renaissance was one of the most important turning points in the history of human culture. During this time period, Science theory was born. Because of the middle ages, people began to question Gods existence. In turn people successfully made Scientific discoveries which have been proven correct today. Another major change the renaissance offered was the art. Rather than dis-proportioned art based solely on religion, art was once again reintroduced with expressionism, correct proportions and three dimensional, realistic and in depth. Antiquity had returned and architecture reflected upon art.

The Renaissance began in Florence and spread its way to Venice via trading port. Renaissance men include Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo, who discovered that the world was round. This helped people realize that God didn't control everything and there was more to the universe than earth itself.
Isaac Newton was the first to discover gravity, the birth of his theory involving the question as to why an apple fell off a tree.

Image source: http://www.badassoftheweek.com/davinci1.jpg

Leonardo Da Vinci played a large role in the renaissance also, being one of the first to illustrate a human in movement. This played an important role to art and helped lead towards the concept of animation. As well as an anatomist, Da Vinci was also an inventor. Early illustrations show sketches of flying contraptions for humans, which would help towards the invention of the plane. Within anatomy, Da Vinci also illustrated the concept of the female womb, showing the fetus in the fetal position.

As noted in previous posts, Michaelangelo also played a big role in anatomy during the renaissance. Being responsible for famous sculpture "David" This was important for artists, as it was a play on exaggerated proportions which celebrated the human body. Later in life the media industry is largely based around a sculpture such as David, being exaggerated in proportion and visually fitting the job role of the "super model".

Brunelleschi was also important in the renaissance, rediscovering the importance of perspective in art. Without perspective, art would have continually been flat, two dimensional and disproportional. Botticelli's women also show an example of renaissance art. "The Birth of Venus" showing a high level of realism, both in anatomy and texture, perspective and colour.

Image source: http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/botticelli/botticelli.venus.jpg

Shakespeare was responsible for the rise of theatrical arts. Both wealthy and common people were able to see Shakespeare's plays, allowing art to be seen and be for everyone. Marco Polo allowed people to trade and begin open market. This led to freelance artists being able to sell their work.

As well as a revolution in art and the birth of Science, the renaissance also led to the industrial revolution. Steam power allowed people in Britain to travel, and became the workhouse of the world. Gutenburg created the print press, which was later responsible for the newspaper. In the 1800's, Thomas Edison discovered electricity.

In 1816, the first photo was taken. Followed by 1830, the first camera was created. This plays a huge role in animation, allowing Edweard Muybridge to capture animals and people in movement with a  camera. As well as the camera, the Zoetrope was also created, this playing another lead role in the animation industry, essentially being the first animations for people around the world to enjoy. Another important event which takes place in the industrial revolution, would be the telephone. This allowed mass communication and would one day help create the internet.

Image source: http://condor.depaul.edu/dtudor/1872-muybridge-motion-studi.jpg