The Renaissance
The Renaissance How can we describe the Renaissance as a movement of “rediscovery” for Europe? What were some of the significant innovations of the age?
The Early Modern Period Early Modern (ca. 1500-1800) Followed Middle Ages Trends Movement toward secular state Divided Western Christianity Growing emphasis on science Early globalization, European domination
Origins and Humanism The Renaissance “Rebirth” of Greco-Roman culture, heritage Italian Origins Wealth Remnants and ruins of ancient world Spread north gradually
Origins and Humanism Humanism Emphasis: classical learning Recapture culture of antiquity improvement of individuals, society Classical languages and documents, liberal arts Impacted vernacular languages
Origins and Humanism Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) Hated Middle Ages! Encouraged revival of classical studies Classical Latin Poet, letter writer Searched for ancient manuscripts
Origins and Humanism Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536) Dutch “Prince of Humanists” Projects Praise of Folly (1511) Critical edition of Greek New Testament (1516)
Origins and Humanism Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) Florentine chancellor, experienced politician The Prince (1513) Prince might have to be immoral Virtue in politics is ambiguous “Political realism”
Origins and Humanism William Shakespeare (ca. 1564-1616) Playwright, London Greatest English writer Many plays set in Roman, English past
Origins and Humanism
Origins and Humanism The Printing Press Attributed to Johann Gutenberg Moveable lead type Impact Ideas spread rapidly Increased literacy Books now cheaper
Origins and Humanism Questions?
Art and Architecture Medieval Traditions Spiritual iconography Paintings influenced by Byzantine style Gothic architecture Madonna and Child (early 13th cent.)
Art and Architecture Renaissance Goals Imitate nature Revive classical ideals Portraiture, the individual Emotion Polykleitos, Doryphoros (ca. 450 BC)
Art and Architecture Linear Perspective Create illusion of 3D How? Converging parallel lines Varying sizes
Art and Architecture Donatello’s David (1428-1432) Freestanding, life-sized nude Renaissance traits Classical nude male Movement
Art and Architecture Leonardo’s The Last Supper (ca. 1495-98) Mural Subject: announcement of coming betrayal of Christ Renaissance traits: individuality, psychology
Art and Architecture Leonardo’s The Mona Lisa (1503-05) Portrait of Donna Lisa Individualized, yet idealized! Ambiguous smile!
Art and Architecture
Art and Architecture Leonardo’s Embryo in the Womb (ca. 1510) Leonardo’s The Virtruvian Man (1490)
Art and Architecture Michelangelo’s David (1501-04) Huge! Pent-up energy Psychology Knowledge of human body
Art and Architecture Michelangelo’s vaulted Ceiling, Sistine Chapel (1508-12)
Art and Architecture The Creation of Adam (1508-12)
Art and Architecture Raphael, The School of Athens (1510-11)
Art and Architecture Guess who?
Art and Architecture
Art and Architecture
Art and Architecture Northern Art Oil painting Vibrant color Minute detail Spiritual symbolism, secular scenes Example: Jan van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait (1434)
Art and Architecture Façade of Sant’ Andrea, Mantua (ca. 1470) Architect: Alberti Temple front Triumphal arch
Art and Architecture Dome, Florence Cathedral (1420-1436) Cathedral’s construction began ca. 1296 Engineering problems no dome! Resolved by Brunelleschi
Art and Architecture Questions?
The Renaissance How can we describe the Renaissance as a movement of “rediscovery” for Europe? What were some of the significant innovations of the age?