Written Assignment Unit 4
University of the People

Introduction
Beginning of 15th century to the end of 18th century major improvement had been observed in world art history. This period is categorized in major 3 categories: renaissance period (1400 to 1600 AD), the baroque (1600 to 1700 AD), rococo (starting from 18th century to the end of 18th century). Advancement in science and technology was a great achievement during this period. This also influenced arts and architecture. New innovation changed art styles including art materials, form, shape and composition. This allowed eliminating of conventional method and context. At the same time new area and objects were discovered and incorporated.
Scientific Knowledge and Renaissance Period.
Renaissance started at the beginning of 15th century. Instead of old classical style, renaissance introduced realism. Old pagan style arts were dismissed and new styles were developed based upon popularity and quality. Artists applied their scientific knowledge and experience in their artworks. Many artists had multiple skills. For example, Leonardo Da Vinci was a painter, scientist, architect, sculptor and military engineer. In addition, Leonardo Da Vinci was identified as a “Renaissance Man “who played major role behind renaissance. Leonardo designed tank, parachutes, flying machine which were retrieved from his notebook, obviously outcome of his military knowledge. Similarly, Filippo Brunelleschi who was an architect painted many architectural buildings and structures. Drawing of human anatomy was also prioritized beside the improvement of medical technology. Artists showed human anatomy, e.g. skull, muscle, abdomen, vertebrae etc. in their drawings. For example, Leonardo showed human skull in his drawing. Advancement in Astronomy also allowed incorporating astronomical objects in their artworks. Advancement in science generated new idea and curiosity which reflected in renaissance arts. Invention of new materials gave them opportunity to use those materials in their artworks. Besides, new form, shapes and styles were developed. For example, Leonardo’s sketch on double sided sheet was fascinating and new invention. Scientific knowledge turned artists towards realism instead of old pagan view. Humanism became the key element. Artists started thinking and idealizing from free, open broader aspect. So many creative artists contributed during that period. Some of them are: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titan, Filippo Lippi, Donatello etc.
An Artwork of Renaissance Period.
Among many famous artworks one magnificent artwork is Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave”.

Fig: The Dying Slave:
The artwork object is a plaster cast and sculpted in 1513 AD. This is one of six "slaves" executed by Michelangelo for the tomb of Pope Julius II. At present the sculpture is stored at Louvre museum, Paris. Scientific Knowledge and Baroque Period
The Baroque period lasted a century which was between 17th and 18th centuries. During that time scientific innovation influenced all areas of arts. The period shifted and advanced towards natural and developing world. Remarkable invention of many scientists had been observed. Newton, Galileo, Leuwenhoek, Kepler and many other notable scientists contributed during this time. Their invention changed people’s view from traditional world to the new world. Traditional views of Christian Catholic Church had been challenged. Artists changed their old fashion and new form and style were invented. People also started adopting new style of arts. Artists concentrated on natural and scientific facts while used these facts as context of their works. Francis Bacon, a great philosopher at that time insisted that without doubt not to accept assuming truth. One major achievement of technology that pushed renaissance arts towards Baroque style was the invention of printing technology. Wolford clearly stated that; “printing technology allowed easily transferring idea to others.” (Wolford, n.d.). Artists became more naturalistic. They put more attention on light, space and time. They integrated architecture, sculpture and painting. Use of various machines improved quality of arts. Some notable artists of Baroque period are Paul
Rubens, Bemini, Rembrandt, Poussin, Van Dyck, Le Vau etc.

A Painting of Baroque Period.
Among many paintings one of the notable painting was “Education of The Princess” painted by Paul Rubens in 1622.

Fig: Education of the Princess.
The media used for this painting were oil on canvas. The picture shows a maturing Marie de'
Medici at study. Senex Magister hinted that; “her education is given while three gods Apollo, Athena, and Hermes are present.” (Magister, n.d.). Scientific Knowledge and Rococo Period.
Rococo period started in 18th century and lasted up to the end of 18th century. In this period, society forwarded to the aristocracy especially in France. However, there were only few numbers of aristocrats. The word “rococo” came from French word rocaille which means rubble or rock. Monarchy was gone away and artists were influenced by the decorative arts. Invention of new materials significantly insisted artists to produce ornamental arts. Arts characteristics changed to soft colors with curvy lines. They used stucco adornments, boiserie, and mirrored glass as a symbol of aristocracy. Trapasso, therefore concluded that; “Jean Antoine Watteau is considered as a father of Rococo painting.” (Trapasso, 2013). A Painting of Rococo Period

Fig: La coquette fixée
The picture was painted by Jean Honoré Fragonard and oil on canvas used as media. Christies added that; “La Coquette Fixée was engraved under that title, in reverse, by Jean Couché and Jacques Dambrun, and published with a dedication to the Marquis de Boisandré, governor of the Château de Raincy. “ (Christies, n.d.).

Conclusion
Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo are three different periods in Europe that introduced three different styles of arts. Each period had significant development with some unique attributes. No doubt scientific knowledge and new innovation shifted one stage to another. Still we find many artworks are stored at museum as witness of these three periods’ artistic style and nature which are: realistic, naturalistic and decorative. Word Count: 943

References
Wolford, K. (n.d.). Francis Bacon and the scientific revolution. Retrieved September 30, 2015, from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/monarchy-enlightenment/baroque-art1/beginnersguide-baroque1/a/francis-bacon-and-the-scientific-revolution
Magister, S. (n.d.). Peter Paul Rubens. Retrieved September 30, 2015, from http://hoocher.com/Peter_Paul_Rubens/Peter_Paul_Rubens.htm
Trapasso, E. (2013, July 2013). A Brief History of Rococo Art. Retrieved September 30, 2015, from https://news.artnet.com/art-world/a-brief-history-of-rococo-art-
Christies. (n.d.). Jean-Honore Fragonard (Grasse 1732-1806 Paris). Retrieved September 30, 2015, from http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/jean-honore-fragonard-la-coquette-fixee-4684749details.aspx?pos=63&intObjectID=4684749&sid= .htm