The Use of Clothing in Renaissance Art to Distinguish Divine Beings from Mortals

Art historians often discuss the role of clothing in Renaissance paintings, particularly in distinguishing the divine figures like Jesus, Mary, and the apostles from ordinary mortals. Contrary to the common misconception that Renaissance painters dressed these figures in contemporary clothing, they actually portrayed them in generic, classically inspired robes. This practice was a deliberate artistic choice that helped emphasize the distinction between the divine realm and the mortal world.

Understanding the Misconception

The idea that Renaissance painters wore their subjects in contemporary clothing is a popular misconception. However, the attire of Jesus, Mary, and other divine figures in Renaissance paintings is not meant to reflect the specific fashion of their time but rather to indicate a timeless, ethereal quality. The clothing is designed to look somewhat similar to ancient Roman robes, invoking a sense of classicism and thereby emphasizing the divine nature of the figures.

The Divinity Mortality Contrast

One of the key artistic techniques used in Renaissance paintings is the clear demarcation between the divine beings and mortal figures. For instance, in Titian's Pesaro Madonna (1518), the Madonna and Jesus are depicted on a plinth that is seemingly unattainable to the other figures. Joseph stands directly below them, and they all wear generic robes that do not match the fashion of their era. This choice of attire serves to highlight their divine status.

Below the plinth, Saint Francis and the donors are portrayed in contemporary clothing, which reflects the actual fashions of the period. These figures are placed in the mortal realm, represented by the ground that they stand on, which is the space of ordinary people. The proximity of Saint Francis to Joseph and the maternal figures and his distinctive brown robe symbolize his human nature and placement in a higher divine realm.

For the viewer, the figures of Jesus and Mary represent a metaphorical heaven, unreachable from our mortal perspective. However, the paintings suggest that through faith and devotion, one can aspire to reach this divine realm. This concept was not limited to Renaissance art but was a fundamental aspect of creating religious art across historical periods, extending even into the 19th century.

Modern Examples and Human Artistic Choices

Even today, in movies and other modern religious art, the clothing of religious figures often fails to accurately represent the historical period. This is a common issue, often due to costuming choices that are not thoroughly researched or reflective of historical accuracy. Even with a detailed understanding of specific eras, costume designers and filmmakers may struggle to accurately depict the subtle nuances of historical clothing.

For example, my late wife, a fashion historian with expertise in Victorian-era fashion, was particularly critical of outfits that were not historically accurate. Her ability to discern historical inaccuracy is a testament to the importance of period-accurate costumes in historical and religious art. Even though some costume designers may achieve a level of accuracy that can fool casual observers, specialized experts in the field can still point out the discrepancies.

Artists of today, even when they are conscious of historical accuracy, may prioritize artistic expression over exact replication of historical clothing. However, understanding the historical context remains crucial for creating authentic and meaningful religious art that resonates with viewers.