Choose only 1 of the 2 topics below. Using your course lesson readings and completing additional research, fully follow the steps outlined. Post your initial response to Forum Week 6. Include links to any research references you used. Then, read your classmates’ and instructor’s postings and respond to at least 2 other students. In your peer responses, use the strategies described in the forum posting instructions below to further the discussion.

Topic #1. Donatello and the Early Renaissance. Donatello is considered the finest of the early Italian Renaissance sculptors. He was known for advancing the ideas of naturalism in the sculpted human figure. Conduct internet research, then examine and discuss two of his sculptures, such as “St. Mark” and “David.”  Discuss the following in your post:  

W6: Issues of Art in Service of Religion

Contains unread postsMust post first.

Course Objective(s): CO6: Analyze works of art within their social and historical contexts.

Choose only 1 of the 2 topics below. Using your course lesson readings and completing additional research, fully follow the steps outlined. Post your initial response to Forum Week 6. Include links to any research references you used. Then, read your classmates’ and instructor’s postings and respond to at least 2 other students. In your peer responses, use the strategies described in the forum posting instructions below to further the discussion.

Topic #1. Donatello and the Early Renaissance. Donatello is considered the finest of the early Italian Renaissance sculptors. He was known for advancing the ideas of naturalism in the sculpted human figure. Conduct internet research, then examine and discuss two of his sculptures, such as “St. Mark” and “David.”  Discuss the following in your post:  

• What was the culture, values, and ideals of the early Italian Renaissance? How are these reflected in Donatello’s sculptures?    
• What is Renaissance Humanism? How do these sculptures reflect Humanist ideals? 
• What differences do you see between the two sculptures?  
• What is the function of each sculpture? 
• What does each sculpture mean?   
• What is your personal response to the sculptures, and how (if at all) do they speak to your life and past experiences?  

OR

Topic #2. Italian Baroque Painting. The great Italian Baroque artist, Caravaggio, was considered the “bad boy” of the art world at the time. The great Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens also worked in the same time period, but in a different country. Conduct internet research, and carefully examine and compare the following paintings: 

Caravaggio, The Entombment of Christ, c. 1600-04. Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican City

Peter Paul Rubens, Elevation of the Cross (also known as The Raising of the Cross), from Saint Walburga, 1610. Antwerp Cathedral

In your response, answer the following questions:    

• What are the similarities and differences between the two paintings? Consider subject matter, light, backgrounds, and figures.  
• What was the purpose or function of each?  
• What meaning does each one express?   
• What techniques did the artists use, and how does each painting reflect the artist’s unique style? 
• What is your personal response to the paintings, and how (if at all) do they speak to your life and past experiences?  

To get the highest grade possible, please review and follow the Discussion Guidelines & Grading Rubric.