Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance

The Black Death Killed 1/3 of European population Appeared in 3 forms – Pneumonic: attacked the lungs – Septicemic: appeared in bloodstream – Bubonic: caused buboes on the body

Spread of Black Plague Ignorant of its cause – Blames God’s anger, stars, and Jews Tried ineffective cures such as pomanders, flagellation, and repentance of sins

Hundred Years’ War Battle for power and control of France French King Charles IV died 1328 with no male heir to his throne Edward III of England claimed throne – Son-in-law of Charles Philip of Valois claimed throne – Nephew of Charles

Hundred Years’ War War lasts from French finally push English out and Charles VII came to power Feudalism ended Absolute rule was in place

Renaissance Means rebirth and revival of the arts and learning Movement in Italy that caused an explosion of creativity in art, writing, and thought that lasted from

Renaissance Importance of the individual Spread from northern Italy to rest of Europe

Why Northern Italy 3 advantages – Thriving cities – A wealthy merchant class – Classical heritage of Greece and Rome

City-States Urban- Large cities with good size towns Overseas trade led to growth of city-states Cities were ideal breeding ground for intellectual revolution

City-States After Black Plague: – Economic changes – Fewer laborers-workers demanded higher wages – Merchants could pursue interests like art

Merchants Wealthy merchant class developed These merchants dominated politics

Medici Family Powerful banking family with banks in Florence and throughout Europe Ruled Florence but kept the appearance of having an elected government

Rome and Greece Drew inspiration from ruins of Greece and Rome Studied ancient Latin manuscripts

Classical Ideas Led idea of humanism – Intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievement – Encouraged artists and architects to use classical traditions – Popularized study of philosophy, literature, and history (Humanities)

Worldly Pleasures Humanists suggested people enjoy life – Material luxuries – Fine foods – Good music Secular- being concerned with worldly pleasures rather than spiritual ones

Patrons of the Arts Financially supporting artists Beautified cities with large amounts of money being spent on art

Renaissance Man Man who excelled in many fields – Educated – Created art – Skilled worker, philosopher – Also known as universal man

Renaissance Woman Upper class women – Inspire art – Some education – Know the classics

Renaissance Art Perspective- shows three dimensions on a flat surface – Religious figures often portrayed

Realism Painted or sculpted prominent citizens – Used realistic style when depicting human body – Natural postures and expression which reflected personality – Revealed what was distinctive about each person

Leonardo da Vinci Painter, sculptor, inventor, and scientist Interested in how things work Famous works: – Mona Lisa p. 44 – The Last Supper

Raphael Sanzio Studied Leonardo and Michelangelo Famous for use of perspective Famous works: – School of Athens p. 45 – Painted prominent figures such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, and himself

Michelangelo Buonarroti Excelled as painter, sculptor, architect, poet Famous for the way he portrayed the human body in painting and sculpture Famous works: – Dome of St. Peter’s, Sistine Chapel, and Statue of David

Renaissance Writing Vernacular- writing in native language, instead of Latin (Dante) Poetry – Petrarch Stories (series) – Boccaccio Personal subjects, not politics – Vittoria Colonna Political Guides – Machiavelli

Spread of Idea In the 15 th century ideas from northern Italy began to spread north