Topic and Argument of the Article
The topic of the article is ‘’Leonardo and the Second Florentine Republic’’ and the arguments presented in the texts are about the influence of Leonardo da Vinci on the art and culture of the Florentine republic. In the face of artistry that included craftsmanship, painting, sculpturing, and architecture, the nation was faced with political turmoil that threatened the Florentine liberty. Therefore, the coming back of Leonardo da Vinci set up what came to be known as ‘'Renaissance period'' where he set a stage for artists to express themselves through architecture, sculptors, and painting among others. Leonardo himself was one of the best painters of the time, and the article attempts to depict some of his pieces of art including paintings and what they intended to communicate. The text also focuses on his many inventions that include many aspects of the modern technology such as solar power and tanks.
Evidence Used In the Article
The article uses both pictorial and textual evidence to support his arguments. With regards to the pictures, they are intended to depict the Florentine culture and history of the period in which Leonardo and his fellow artists lived in. Most of the pictures depicted in the text include those which were drawn by various artists including Leonardo, Andrea Brescianino, and Antonio, among other artists. Some of the pictures represent social, political, and the economic situations of the Florentine republic. The pictures are also used to communicate other forms of artistry present during that particular age including sculptors and the unique architecture of the Italians. Some of the pictures also give information about the religious affiliations at that time. The author also uses textual evidence to give a life account of the artistes mainly Leonardo to underscore how he played a role in rebirthing the field of artistry. Other textual evidence highlighted in the text gives information about the political situation of the Florentine republic and how the artists impacted the culture of the country.
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Arguments of the Text
Most arguments of the article revolve around the life of Leonardo and his influence on the art of the Florentine culture. The author also tries to query the influence of the art on the culture of the country. Another argument brought forward is on the influence of the art to the political situation that was threatening to destroy the stability of the republic. The author also attempts to outline the contribution of other artists such as Antonio and Andrea and how they were influenced by Leonardo who was regarded as the father of the Renaissance period. Major arguments are made on the effect of the art in defining the Renaissance or the rebirth period. The architect, paintings, and the sculptors were major works that formed the hallmark of this particular period.
Thoughts on the Claim of the Author
It is important to appreciate the work of ‘’Frederick Hartt’’ in highlighting the history of the Florentine republic with regards to the art period which was regarded as a time of rebirth. The author’s major claim is on appreciating the influence of art, as presented by Leonardo da Vinci and other artists in revolutionizing the political, social, and cultural tenets of the Florentine republic. His interpretation can be regarded as convincing because he effectively uses both pictorial and textual evidence in outlining the history of the particular period being described. Another vital factor that makes the text convincing is the organization of the work which follows a chronological pattern from the return of Leonardo da Vinci to the rebirth of the art culture in the country.
