The Renaissance: Art and Ideas

The Renaissance....in 23 minutes? You've got to be kidding. Surprisingly, The Renaissance: Art and Ideas offers a superb, if limited, introduction to the intellectual and artistic revival that began in Florence during the 14th century and swept throughout the world. After an opening which sets the historical and social context, we meet some of the major players via their important works. Giotto, Pisano, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Verrocchio each solved problems of perspective, light, and shade in their own ways. Since no treatment of the period could be complete without a discussion of the three High Renaissance masters--Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo--the scene shifts to Venice for an introduction to their work. Beautifully photographed, with informative commentary, this film leaves viewers with a sense of enthusiasm and the desire to learn much more about the Renaissance period and the sculpture, architecture and painting of the day. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (J. Reed)