INE MATER
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Treatment of the Human Figure
in European Art
The ideal human body in European art was
depicted in many ways over different periods.
It depended largely on cultural, religious and
economic factors. Every age, place and social
class portrayed its own image of ideal beauty.
Ancient Greek Art
The human figure was the principal subject of all
Greek art, and the belief that ‘man is the measure
of all things’ can be clearly seen in its sculpture.
Sculptors constantly sought better ways to
represent the human figure.
Characteristics
* Exact balanced proportions
* Correct anatomy and realistic poses
* Contrapposto stance: The body weight over a
single leg, with the other slightly bent
* Athletes: Free-standing nude figures – male
and female
The Medieval period
ONLINE MATERIAL
Medieval art emphasised the spiritual over
the flesh. Artists worked in an abstract, two-
dimensional linear style that de-emphasised the
body.
Romanesque
The tympanum over the church doorway and
on the capitols inside often featured complete
scenes consisting of several figures. These
scenes were designed to intimidate and educate
the viewer.
Characteristics
* Elongated figures were contorted to fit shapes
* A focus on linear details
* Emphasis on decorative details like drapery
folds and hair rather than any attempt at
realism
Gothic
A more natural and life-like appearance than in
the previous Romanesque period. Later Gothic
figures are depicted much more realistically. The
faces of the statues have expression, and their
garments are draped in a natural way.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance preoccupation with the body
presented a stark contrast to Medieval tradition.
Artists sought to revive the classical antique
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style of symmetry and proportions in the human
figure as their ideal of beauty. Fifteenth-century
artists greatly admired ancient Greek and
Roman sculpture. Influenced by this they studied
anatomy and drew from life.
Characteristics
* Ideal proportions and the contrapposto stance
* The first freestanding nudes since classical
times
The High Renaissance
By the early 16th century, or the High
Renaissance, the depiction of the human figure
in art was almost superhuman in its force and
strength.
Characteristics
* Idealised religious figures
* Heroic nudity = idealisation
* Classical influence
* Psychological intensity
The female nude
As the emphasis shifted to more worldly themes,
the female nude was depicted more often in art.
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