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Make sure to visit our "Gender Ambiguity explored in Renaissance & Baroque Art": The Exhibit Part 2 with more focus on female subjects!

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These depictions of gender forms deviated from conventional notions of what was "masculine" and "feminine" at the time. For instance, in the 1596 depiction of Bacchus, only the ribbon holding his toga, clutched in his right hand, keeps us from seeing him completely nude and revealing his genitalia. Therefore, to a naive viewer of the painting, his gender would not be completely identifiable, which is a common theme throughout the works. Caravaggio depicts this young androgynous man in disguise as the famous Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and pleasure. This combination of masculine and feminine features helps us grasp gender in a more nuanced way. His right arm is muscular and fit, while his face seems to be painted with makeup, highlighting his more feminine characteristics. His silky, wavy hair frames his dreamy, round features with plump cheeks. In the two works Bacchus and The Musicians, Caravaggio defies conventional gender expectations and offers viewers a fresh perspective on gender representation and identity. Specifically, with The Musicians, the four young males are portrayed in more feminine and flowy garments. They are depicted with dreamy, smooth oval faces, full cheeks, and soft-looking curls. Caravaggio depicted ordinary boys with neither distinctly male nor feminine bodies. These depictions suggested that homosexuality and androgyny were prevalent throughout the Renaissance. In the sculptures, gender is explored even more. For the David-Apollo sculpture, Michelangelo employs contrapposto to produce a more relaxed stance. He alters the body's proportions to be smaller and more feminine, giving it a soft appearance. If seen from behind, his gender would not be easy to figure out due to his curves, a less muscular physique, and longer hair. Apollo's head is turned, showing a delicate face that evokes emotion in viewers.

Similarly, Donatello idealized the male form and androgyny in the delicate curves of the sculpture of David. This tall bronze free-standing statue, standing in contrapposto, was initially meant to be a niche on a buttress at Florence Cathedral. He wears a contemplative expression, failing to hide his pride and triumph at slaying Goliath as he steps on his head. We can also observe the contrast between Goliath's masculine head and beard with David's youthful, adolescent physique. Donatello had a high regard for the human form, as he revived the art of casting life-sized statues, which had died out during the Middle Ages. Finally, the depiction of St. John in Da Vinci's painting is the perfect example of androgyny. His delicate facial features, thin and delicate build, and long, curly hair all disorient a viewer from their instinct to immediately identify a subject's gender. His wide, alluring eyes, small mouth, and chin are reminiscent of Da Vinci's female figures, including the Mona Lisa. His arms are crossed over his practically nude figure in a slightly seductive attitude, similar to how nude women would cover their chests. Our pieces were chosen because they all convey the message that androgyny and gender roles are meant to be fluid. It has naturally occurred in human nature throughout history, and art is a remnant of that. The pieces, although from different time periods and artists, all reflect how topics of gender identity should not be black and white and binary.

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Saint John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci

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Saint John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci

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Date: 1513 to 1516
Culture: High Renaissance

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Date: Approximately 1440s
Culture: Italian Renaissance

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Date: Approximately 1530
Culture: Renaissance

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Date: 1595 Culture: Baroque

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Date: 1596 Culture: Naturalistic Baroque

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There is no appointment necessary to visit the exhibit; all are welcome during these times! We are closed on Sundays.

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Our Gift Shop is located on the 3rd floor

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Our Gift Shop is located on the 3rd floor

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Here at the gift shop, we offer many different memorabilia, including mugs, keychains, posters, books, and more! Find a gift for yourself or a loved one while supporting an incredible cause!

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This museum exhibit is dedicated to paintings that explore gender ambiguity and the androgyny of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. We find it essential, especially in this political climate, to explore gender without judgment and with open minds. History has already explored concepts that are now being debated, and our founders find it important to remember that. Please take your time to walk through the exhibit, and visit our shop, where all profits go to the nonprofit organization, Art Haven. It is one of the most nationally recognized organizations that helps those in the LGBTQIA+ community and other non-gender conforming youth by providing them with resources for health, education, and crisis hotlines.

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Let's begin with the mastery of Caravaggio

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Let's begin with the mastery of Caravaggio

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Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610) was one of the most revolutionary figures of European art. Although controversial, we chose his pieces to best explore gender fluidity. If you are interested in learning more about the artist, please scan the QR code above.

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"Gender Ambiguity explored in Renaissance & Baroque Art" : The Exhibit

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"Gender Ambiguity explored in Renaissance & Baroque Art" : The Exhibit