Italian Renaissance

Setting the Stage During the late Middle Ages, Europeans suffered from both war and plague. Those that survived, questioned the Church and also the structures of medieval society that blocked social advancement. Many began to look to the classical past for ideas.

*Renaissance “rebirth” cultural awakening in Europe started in Italy about 1350 – 1600

*Causes more trade between Europe and Islamic Empire preservation of Greco-Roman knowledge by Byzantines and Muslims more trade = more money

*Why Italy? center of trade routes attachment to classical (Roman) traditions prosperous city-states Florence, Venice, Rome

Italy’s Advantages The years 1300 to 1600 saw an explosion of creativity in Europe called the Renaissance. Renaissance: Rebirth of art and learning Began in Northern Italy and later spread North. Italy had three advantages that fostered the Renaissance: Thriving Cities Wealthy Merchant Class Classical heritage of Greece and Rome

Merchants Merchants were the wealthiest, most powerful class and they dominated politics. Unlike Nobles, merchants did not inherit social rank. Success in business depended mostly on their own wits. Individual achievement was to become an important Renaissance theme.

Classical Heritage Renaissance scholars looked down on the art and literature of the Middle Ages. They wanted to return to the learning of the Greeks and Romans. One reason the Renaissance began in Italy is that artists drew inspiration from the ruins of Rome that surrounded them.

*New Ideas individualism – emphasis on person as individual rather than part of a group secularism – focus on worldly themes instead of religious

Classics Lead to Humanism The study of classical texts led to Humanism, which focused on human potential and achievements. Instead of trying to make it agree with Christian teaching like Medieval scholars, humanists studied them to understand ancient Greek values. Made popular the study of subjects such as history, literature and philosophy which are called Humanities.

Enjoying Life Humanists suggested that a person could enjoy life without offending God. In Renaissance Italy, the wealthy openly enjoyed material luxuries, fine music and tasty foods. Most people remained devout Catholics, however, the basic spirit of Renaissance society was Secular -- concerned with the here and now.

Renaissance Revolutionizes Art As the Renaissance advanced, artistic styles changed. New Techniques: Sculpture was made more realistic by carving natural postures and expressions that reveal personality. Artists rediscovered the technique of perspective, which creates the appearance of three dimensions.

Key People Niccolo Machiavelli Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo Petrarch

Patrons Wealthy people who sponsored art Showed high social status

*Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince – handbook for princes on ruling supported absolute power end justifies the means try to do good, evil if needed

*Leonardo da Vinci artist, scientist, inventor painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper “Renaissance man”

Mona Lisa Why is this painting so famous?

The Last Supper

The Last Supper - da Vinci, 1498 vertical horizontal Perspective!

*Michelangelo artist – painter and sculptor painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel sculpted David

Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel 1508-1512 Fresco Last Judgment back wall 1536-1541

The Sistine Chapel Details The Last Judgment

David

*Petrarch poet and scholar love sonnets inspired poetry in Romeo and Juliet humanist writings

The School of Athens – Raphael, 1510 -11 Da Vinci Raphael Michelangelo

Raphael Painter 1483-1520