Medieval exhibits at the Getty

Two Renaissance Art Exhibitions Exploring Religion at the Getty

Medieval exhibits at the Getty

The works of art were intended to evoke piety in 15th-century audiences

The Getty Center in Los Angeles is presently hosting two shows: both medieval oriented.[/tweetit] The show Sacred Landscapes: Nature in Renaissance Manuscripts reminds the viewer to the many wonders of creation through the eyes of Renaissance Europe. The second show, Giovanni Bellini: Landscapes of Faith in Renaissance Venice, presents symbols and characters from the familiar and sacred stories. The Sacred Landscape show will be on display until January 7, 2018. The other is open to the viewer until January 14. The two exhibits are displayed in adjacent galleries. Thy both display work done from 1450 to 1550. All pictures depict Biblical matter as a subject.

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The organizers have asked viewers to look beyond conventions and examine the backgrounds of the illustrated religious manuscripts. If the viewers do so, they will discover a fantasy world of blooming gardens, bubbly rivers, frolicking animals, and stunning valleys. All these elements are designed to convey a distinct religious message. This message is as vital to the creators as the text itself. According to Alexandra Kaczenski, “The goal of these artists was to promote a deeper meditation. The hope was that these images would promote an emotional connection in the viewer that would be the equivalent of being there when Christ was crucified.”

Giovanni Bellini's forte was drawing landscapes that evoked a spirit of piety in those who gazed at them. His background landscapes occupy the same importance as the subjects of the paintings themselves. He drew during the 15th century-a time when religion dominated Italian art. Bellini is regarded by historians as one of Renaissance's most influential painters. One of the many unique characteristics of his creation was although his paintings were metaphorical, they also provide an accurate depiction of the region's natural light and topography. Characters from familiar sacred stories were expertly drawn.

The Sacred Landscapes show the state of medieval Europe. Many people turned towards spiritual inspiration in Renaissance Europe. In the manuscripts created for both communal or personal devotion, multiple elements of nature like mountains, trees, flowers, and rocks add multiple layers conveying deep meaning to illuminations. These paintings have excellent detail. The landscapes remind the readers to respect and appreciate wonders of creation. According to C. Griffith Mann, curator, medieval art, the paintings had the effect of importing the past into the present. Depicting Biblical events in familiar settings means the viewers enjoy a shared experience.

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