A New Birth

Italy- The Birthplace The Middle Ages brought about war and the plague to Europe Millions of people were killed because of this Those that survived wanted to celebrate human life They began to question institutions that were unable to prevent war and death This included government and the church

The birthplace of the Renaissance was Northern Italy, especially Florence Lasted from about 1300-1600 AD It is referred to as the Renaissance - rebirth of civilization and refinement of art and learning

The educated people in Italy wanted to bring back the learning and culture of Greece and Rome called Classical Art/Learning/Culture Led to Humanism – an intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievement

Patrons or financial supporters of the arts become very popular Even though most people remained devout Catholics, the Renaissance society was secular or worldly/not religious rather than spiritual Patrons or financial supporters of the arts become very popular Church leaders Became the most popular patrons Paid for scuptures, paintings and extravagant buildings to be built Art was built in the classical style

Change in Art Many artists worked in northern Italy, especially in Florence, thanks to the support of wealthy patrons As the Renaissance advanced, the art changed Artists portrayed religious subjects but with a realistic style taken from classical works Artists used perspective which shows three dimensions on a flat surface

ART

Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, inventor, and scientist As a Renaissance Man, he was curious how things worked He studied the human body and plants and incorporated this into his art

Mona Lisa Painted by da Vinci Finished around 1517 Oil painting Located in Louvre, Paris

Last Supper Finished 1498 Painted by da Vinci

Michelangelo, like Leonardo, was a true Renaissance Man He excelled as a painter, sculptor, architect, and poet He is most famous for how he portrayed the human body in painting and sculpting

Sistine Chapel Ceiling Finished 1512 Painted by Michelangelo Water based paint

David Sculpture completed in 1504 Sculpted by Micheangleo Made out of marble

Pieta Sculpted by Michelangelo Completed 1499

Raphael , artist who studied the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo He was famous for his use of perspective

School of Athens Finished 1509 Painted by Raphael

Writers Change Literature The works produced by Renaissance writers are still used and studied today Many wrote in their vernacular or every day, native language instead of Latin They also wrote for self-expression or to portray the individuality of their subjects

One such writer was the rich Machiavelli – Rich writer who had new ideas about government and power Wrote a book called The Prince that (1532) explained how a ruler has to be strong yet smart/crafty First time authors were writing non-religious books read by the public