“Paper”, a Steam Engine of the Renaissance?

Research Question:

Did the introduction of paper in 14th and 15th century Europe and the tangible high(er) productivity of sketches and drawings push the concepts of spatial illusion “perspective” and “light and shadow” towards new mastery in the Florentine High Renaissance period (1495-1520)?

Unknown engraving. Papermaking.

Abstract:

Did the introduction of paper in 14th and 15th century Europe and the tangible high(er) productivity of sketches and drawings push the concepts of spatial illusion “perspective” and “light and shadow” towards new mastery in the Florentine High Renaissance period (1495-1520)?

The essay attempts to explore the likely effect that the introduction of paper in Europe in the 14th century, must have had on experimental sketching and drawing and preparatory drawing of the humanistic, Renaissance driven artistic concepts, ultimately leading to the masterpieces of the High Renaissance.

Artists felt challenged in depicting the central role of man in his environment in the most natural way without compromising religious devotion.

Of the newly discovered Renaissance concepts to realistically depict that natural environment such as perspective, light and shadow, composition, movement, interaction, anatomy, the essay concentrates on perspective and light and shadow to help prove or disprove the point. Alongside this new thinking and the artistic urge to explore it, came the introduction of paper from China through the Muslim world in the 14th century.

Thus, experimental sketching and drawing for the exploration of these artistic problems and preparations for final works, combined with the increased availability of paper and its relatively cheaper cost, allowed artists to practice more and learn better within their workshop environment and outside.

Without denying them their obvious genius and talent the essay concludes with two masterpieces of Leonardo and Michelangelo, hoping to have proven the point that...