From Dark to Light Feudalism still exits in Western Europe The 100 Years’ War is being fought (Eng-Fr) Most of the European world is still in the Middle Ages… but in one small region, there is BRILLIANCE! Florence, Italy

An Explosion of Knowledge Renaissance = mean “Rebirth” It is a rebirth in the classical teachings of Greece and Rome An explosion of creativity in art, writing, and thought

Why Italy? Feudalism had less of an impact there. The Pope brought power and wealth back to Rome Italy was free from outside interference (wars)

Why Italy? They had several advantages over the rest of Europe 1. The Crusades brought wealth to merchants in Italy – location, location, location = favorable balance of trade (MERCANTILISM) 2. Merchants dominated politics, and banking. They competed to sponsor artists

Why Italy? 3 Powerful city-states developed (Northern Italy) 4. The ruins of Roman civilization were visible in Italy (roads, aqueducts, public buildings, monuments)… they never forgot their heritage

Humanism Intellectual movement focusing on potential and achievements The study of History, Literature and Philosophy (The Humanities) A strong desire to recover the classical heritage of Rome and Greece

Worldly Pleasures Renaissance scholars & artists hated the Middle Ages – called it the “Dark Ages” Medieval architecture (Gothic) considered barbarian Humanist suggested people could enjoy life without offending God (Secular) - music - mansions - art - clothes - fine foods

Patrons of the Arts Popes and wealthy families supported artists financially They became patrons of the arts

The Medici Family Powerful banking family from Florence, Italy They had offices in every town in Europe Cosimo de Medici was the wealthiest European of the time

Renaissance Man and Woman The Courtier by Castiglione detailed how a man should strive to become a master in every study and seek fame A woman should be charming, inspire art not create it, avoid fame

Leonardo da Vinci The Original Renaissance Man Painter Sculptor Inventor Architect Mathmatician Politician

Mona Lisa

The Last Supper

Vitruvian Man

Giant Catapult

Propeller

Flying Machine

4 Features of Renaissance Art Individualism – unique qualities of human face, show individual character in lifelike way Balance & Proportion – nature as standard, architecture for realism, show images in proper size Perspective – impression of depth and distance on flat surface Oil Paint – allowed painters to work more slowly, make new colors, life-like effects, show texture

1. Realism & Expression Expulsion from the Garden Masaccio 1427 First nudes since classical times

First use of linear perspective! The Trinity Masaccio 1427 Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! First use of linear perspective!

3. Classicism Greco-Roman influence. Secularism. Humanism. Individualism  free standing figures. Symmetry/Balance 3 The “Classical Pose” Medici “Venus”

4. Emphasis on Individualism Focus on the persons more natural traits. Not some image of what a person should look like. Piero della Francesca, 1465-1466.