In painting, the style called High Renaissance or classic is, in a sense, the culmination of the experiments of the 15th century, for it is above all characterized by a desire to achieve harmony and balance. Movement is important and necessary, yet the eye is always given a point of focus and rest. The composition is self-contained and conforms to Alberti’s definition of beauty as “that harmony of parts to which nothing can be added or taken away without destroying the whole.” Although there is movement implied in the poses of the figures and movement across the surface of the ...(100 of 73439 words)