17.1- Italy-Birthplace of Renaissance

Recap End of Middle Ages ~1500 AD Emergence of stronger central government and nationalism 100 Years’ War ends importance of knights-what kills them? After plague, war, etc-people start losing faith in Church

Italy as Starting Point Renaissance Movement from about 1300- 1600 AD “Rebirth”-new way of art, thinking, learning, etc. Italy dominated by major city-states-huge spread of ideas-why? Birth of wealthy merchant class in Italy- dominated local politics Did not inherit class-used wits, intellect, etc. All of Florence under Medici family in 1434 Sought to return to thinking of Greeks and Romans and focus on importance of individual

Humanism and Pleasure Study of classics led to humanism-human potential and achievement No more focus on agreeing with Christianity-interested in understanding ancient Greek values Rich lived in luxury with clothing, food, etc. Although most people still Catholic-focus on secular (worldly) as opposed to spiritual

Focus on Arts Church leaders and cities spent huge amounts of money on art Known as patrons-financially supported artists Renaissance man-expected to create art and master every area of study Charming, witty, and well educated in the classics Renaissance women-inspire art but not create it More powerful than medieval counterparts-still little power

Realistic Painting and Sculpture Focus on perspective-3 dimensions on flat surface Much painting of prominent citizens Also realistic sculpting (Michelangelo) Donatello-realistic sculpture of David-favorite subject for many sculptors

Leonardo da Vinci & Raphael Painter, sculptor, and scientist (Renaissance man) Incorporated findings about muscles, veins, etc. in his art Painted Mona Lisa and Last Supper Raphael learned by studying Leonardo and Michelangelo Painted expressions of gentle and calm

Renaissance Writers Use of vernacular (common language) instead of Latin Petrarch-14 line sonnets Boccaccio-Decameron-off-color humor to talk about human condition Machiavelli-The Prince-how rulers should get and keep power People are selfish and corrupt-need to be strong and shrewd to succeed Vittoria Colonna-woman who helped publish Courtier-Renaissance book about how to succeed as a person