The Italian Renaissance
What was the Renaissance? A “rebirth” or return to Classical (Greco-Roman) ideals in art, literature, social interests Hallmarks: humanism, secularism, individualism, hedonism, concept of virtu, violent contrasts of thought.
Medieval Vs. Renaissance Humanism – people can do good for themselves and society Art – religious, secular, representing individuals as they look, seeking credit / fame, self-expression, patronized by rising middle class Literature – for entertainment – vernacular, for instruction, Latin and sometimes vernacular Attitude – questioning spirit, a desire to investigate the natural world as the ancients did Medieval Only God can do good Art – religious, kings, symbolic, anonymous, functional Literature – Bible, lives of Saints, in Latin Attitude – accepting of Church’s explanations
• Celebrated the individual • Stimulated the study of Greco-Roman literature and culture • Was supported by wealthy patrons The “Father of Humanism” Francesco Petrarch 1304-1374 Assembled Greek and Roman writings. Wrote love poems in the Vernacular (sonnets) Humanist scholarship
Where was the Renaissance? Florence, first. Italian states: Milan, Naples, and Rome. Spread to Northern Europe: Netherlands and Flanders
Why Italy? Access to both the Mediterranean and western European trade routes. Surrounded and inspired by Roman ruins and manuscripts Trade in wool and banking had made Florence rich! If you got it, spend it! Medicis in Florence were loaded!
The Medici’s Wealthy banking family of Florence, Italy Cosimo came to rule Florence in 1430’s The family ruled throughout the 15th Century and were patrons of the arts Lorenzo diMedici was known as “the magnificent” for his patronage of the arts
Who made all this happen? Patrons: Medici’s money. Popes: Elaborate and vain – spent huge sums on the arts Humanist thinkers: St. Francis, Castiglione, Machiavelli
Machiavelli For what reasons could Machiavelli be considered to be a humanist?