Colour Study of Renaissance & Modernism by Exness

This visualization explores the language of color in two transformative periods of art history: the Renaissance and the Modernism era. Separated by centuries but sharing a profound devotion to beauty, these movements express it through remarkably different color palettes. Our work aims to tell this story visually, inviting the viewer to engage in a dialogue between the era that revived the best laws of the beauty of antiquity and the time of experimentation in art.

The process started with meticulous research into the color choices of iconic works from each period. Renaissance art, rooted in naturalism, reveals a preference for muted earthy tones such as ochres, deep reds, and subtle greens, reflecting the limited pigments available at the time and the desire to mimic nature. In contrast, Modernism experiments with color, using richer and bolder shades of red, yellow, blue, and orange, symbolizing a departure from tradition and celebration of artistic freedom.

To visually compare the color palettes of different eras, we analyzed two periods and selected five of the most well-known works from each. Then, to conduct our research in more detail, we chose key artists from each era: Leonardo da Vinci and Salvador Dalí. We identified the top five most commonly used colors for each. We gathered and analyzed the works of each artist on a timeline, dividing them into creative phases recognized by art history, for each of which we highlighted three primary colors and their characteristics. Additionally, we included some of the most significant works of these masters on the timeline, allowing you to explore them further.

Now, you can craft your distinctive artistic creation by choosing color schemes from renowned artists from various eras.

Our goal was not only to present data but also to evoke an emotional response. Through the juxtaposition of these color palettes, we hope to spark curiosity about how color reflects the human experience. Each shade tells a unique story: one of innovation, limitation, and ultimately the artists' enduring pursuit of beauty.