PRE-RENAISSANCE

The Pre-Renaissance period generally refers to the time from around the 1200s to the early 1400s, spanning the late Gothic and Proto-Renaissance periods. Here’s a breakdown of key phases:

1. **Romanesque Period** (approximately 1000–1200): The art and architecture in this period were heavily influenced by Roman styles, featuring round arches and thick walls. Art was often religious, with simplified and stylized figures.

2. **Gothic Period** (approximately 1100–1400): Gothic art and architecture emerged, particularly in France, and spread throughout Europe. Characteristics include pointed arches, flying buttresses, and increased naturalism in figures.

3. **Proto-Renaissance in Italy** (approximately 1250–1400): This period is marked by the early movement towards Renaissance ideals, especially in Italian city-states like Florence and Siena. Artists like Giotto and Duccio began exploring more naturalistic styles, emphasizing depth, human emotion, and movement in their works.

4. **International Gothic Style** (approximately 1375–1425): This late Gothic phase was characterized by elegant, elongated figures and ornate details, bridging the Gothic style and the emerging Renaissance. This style was influential across Europe before the Renaissance fully took hold.

These eras are considered "Pre-Renaissance" because they laid the foundations for the Renaissance’s emphasis on realism, perspective, and human-centered subjects.

1. **Giotto di Bondone** (1267–1337) - Italian painter and architect who is often credited with beginning the move towards naturalism, known for works like the *Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel* frescoes.

2. **Duccio di Buoninsegna** (c. 1255–1319) - Italian painter from Siena, known for works like the *Maestà*, which shows a blend of Byzantine and Gothic styles with increasing naturalism.

3. **Cimabue** (c. 1240–1302) - Italian painter and mosaicist who influenced Giotto, known for his *Crucifix* and *Maestà of Santa Trinita*.

4. **Simone Martini** (c. 1284–1344) - Italian painter of the Sienese School, known for his refined Gothic style and works like the *Annunciation*.

5. **Ambrogio Lorenzetti** (c. 1290–1348) - Italian painter from Siena, best known for *The Allegory of Good and Bad Government* frescoes.

6. **Pietro Lorenzetti** (c. 1280–1348) - Italian painter and brother of Ambrogio Lorenzetti, known for his emotional and detailed religious scenes, like *The Birth of the Virgin*.

7. **Nicola Pisano** (c. 1220–1284) - Italian sculptor known for his classical influences, evident in the Pisa Baptistery pulpit, which foreshadowed Renaissance naturalism.

8. **Andrea Pisano** (c. 1290–1348) - Italian sculptor and architect known for the *South Doors* of the Florence Baptistery, which display Gothic detailing and early hints of Renaissance perspective.

9. **Francesco Traini** (active in the mid-14th century) - Italian painter, known for *The Triumph of Death* and other works that display a Gothic style.

10. **Taddeo Gaddi** (c. 1290–1366) - Italian painter and student of Giotto, known for frescoes in the *Baroncelli Chapel* in Florence.

11. **Andrea di Cione (Orcagna)** (c. 1308–1368) - Italian painter, sculptor, and architect known for *Strozzi Altarpiece* and *Orsanmichele Tabernacle*.

These artists laid the groundwork for the Renaissance by gradually incorporating naturalism, perspective, and expressive human emotion into their works, which moved beyond the flatness and stylization typical of Byzantine art.