Cultural History

Art Tour

Technique: Color

Venus and Mars,
by Boticelli, 15th century

Here is an example of Italians working in the wider color set. I'm not sure if this is an oil or a tempera, but the use of color is still striking. Plus, I like the sheer whimsy of the piece.

To anticipate the next topic, another development in art during these centuries is the development of a much wider set of subjects. Religious art still dominated, and for many artists their religious pieces were their most serious work, but new themes enter. One of these is a fascination with classical motifs and legends. So, for example, you'll see a treatment of Venus and Mars (love and war) done by numerous artists.