Italy: The Birthplace of the Renaissance Notes August 10-11 2016

Setting The Stage During the late middle ages Europe suffered from war and plagues. ( Smallpox, Leprosy, and the biggest of all _______? Survivors wanted a reason to celebrate. Writers and artist began to express new spirit through different styles. This all led to a giant movement in history called the______?

The Renaissance Lasted from roughly 1300-1600 The term Renaissance means “Rebirth” (revival of art and learning) Strived to re create life and culture of Greece and Rome. New Values: Importance of the Individual Italy had 3 specific advantages for being the birthplace of the Renaissance. 1)Thriving Cities 2)Wealthy merchant class 3) Classical heritage of Greece and Rome

City States Biggest impact that led to City States was overseas trade! (caused by the ???) Northern Italy Urban while rest of it was mostly Rural. Due to crowded city states it led to a ripe breeding ground for an intellectual revolution.

Again remember that the Bubonic plague in 1300 killed roughly up to 60% of Europe’s population. Due to the extreme loss of life this brought all kinds of economic changes. Merchants began to turn their interests towards art due to few opportunities to expand businesses.

Merchants and the Medici Over time in each city state a wealthy merchant class began to establish themselves. Due to the size of some of these city states it provided opportunities for merchants to get involved in politics. Eventually merchants dominated politics. Different outlook on nobles and merchants.

Florence changes their type of government from a republic to control of the Medici family. Medici family was one of the largest merchant and banking businesses in all of Italy. Cosimo de Medici was wealthiest European of his time period! He never really held political office but was considered the dictator of Florence for 30 years!!! He eventually died and his grandson Lorenzo de Medici took over and ran the country as a dictator but….. Did it with an elected government. ( Thoughts)

Looking to Greece and Rome Renaissance scholars look down on the art of middle ages and instead wanted to mimic that of Greece and Rome. Achieved this by drawing inspiration around the ruins of the culture. (Parthenon, Colosseum etc.) Also achieved this by studying ancient Latin manuscripts that had been preserved in monasteries. Thirdly they accomplished this by studying Greek manuscripts that had been smuggled out during the Turkish invasion of Constantinople.

Classics Lead to Humanism Study of Classical texts led to Humanism* An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievement. Scholars quit trying to use classical texts to agree with Catholic church's teachings and instead used them to understand Greek values. Humanists popularized subjects such as literature, philosophy, and History 

Worldly Pleasures In the Middle Ages (time before Renaissance) people had to show their devotion to religion by wearing rough clothing and eating plain foods. This was how you were to make God happy. Humanists believe you could enjoy life AND please God. A shift from conservatism to a more liberal lifestyle. (Good music, fun, and most importantly FOOD!)

Patrons of the Arts Church leaders spent HUGE amounts of money on art to beautify their own churches. Therefore the clergy became one of the largest patrons (supporters) for artists during the Renaissance. Merchants and wealthy family's (who did we just talk about) were also large supports of the arts. It was a way to show off your wealth, prestige, and power.

The Renaissance Man Writers of this time introduced the idea that if you were educated or had a form of formal education you were “expected” to create art. The ideal individual of this time should spend their live trying to master every area of study. The become the “Universal Man” or “Renaissance Men”

The Renaissance Woman Women should know and be able to talk about classical literature. Must be charming at all times. Can NOT seek fame. Expected to inspire art but not create it! Have little to no influence in politics.

The Renaissance Revolutionizes Art As the Renaissance advanced, artistic styles changed. Medieval artist used religious subjects to convey a spiritual idea. While Renaissance artists often portrayed religious subjects, but they used a realistic style coped from classical models. (Realistic vs. Larger than life)

Famous Renaissance Artists Leonardo de Vinci- he was a painter, sculptor, inventor, and scientist. He studied the idea of “how things work”. Ex. How a muscle moves in the human body, how veins in a leaf are arranged. Painted the famous Mona Lisa. What are her thoughts behind her smile? Painted the Last Supper. Thoughts and feelings of Jesus’s disciples through their facial expressions.

Raphael Sanzio- Younger artist who studied Michelangelo and Leonardo. He was famous for his use of perspective* (3 dimensions on a flat surface) Greatest achievement was painting the walls of Pope Julius 2nds library.

Renaissance Writers Change Literature Many writers of the time wrote in Vernacular* (everyday language) Writers wrote for either self expression or to portray individuality of their subjects.

The Prince Niccolò Machiavelli- father/founder of MODERN political science! Focused on the imperfect conduct of human beings. Wrote the political guidebook, “The Prince” The book explains how a leader can gain power and keep it!

He believes that the common man is selfish, fickle, and most of all corrupt. To succeed in a wicked world one must be as strong as a lion and shrewd as a fox. There will be a time and need to trick your enemies and even your allies for the good of the state. He wasn’t concerned with what was right but what was politically effective. Argues that most people believe its good to keep your word as a ruler, but in his reality the direct opposite is necessary. All while gaining the trust of others.

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