Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance Chapter 1.1 Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance

Italy’s Advantages Renaissance = revival of art and learning Time period = 1300 – 1600 C.E. Bring back culture of ancient Greece and Rome The Annunciation [1489-90] - Sandro Botticelli

Italy’s Advantages New styles of art and literature Emphasis placed on the individual Begins in Northern Italy 3 advantages: Thriving cities Wealthy merchant class Easy access to ancient Greek and Roman history

City-States Each city-state had its own ruler. http://www.webexhibits.org/feast/i/context/h2-image.gif

City-States Crusades spur city growth through trade Northern Italy = urban; rest of Europe = rural Ideas exchanged in cities Exchange of ideas = intellectual growth Bubonic plague occurs in 1300s Survivors can demand high pay for work Work opportunities decrease = more time for other interests (e.g. art)

Medici Family Controls Florence Medici family owns bank in Florence Cosimo Medici does not want political office, but controls from behind the scenes Gives loans to politicans Cosimo Medici http://tuscany-toscana.info/images/cosimo_de_medici_small.jpg

Classical and Worldly Values Humanism: intellectual movement that focuses on human potential & achievements Important subjects = history, philosophy, literature Meaning of work to fit classical ideas, not religious ideas

Secular Pleasures Secular = worldly / non-religious People concerned with the present OK to enjoy material things on earth big houses, expensive food & clothes, etc.

A Renaissance Dress Notice the details: Ruffles on sleeve Stitching Multiple fabrics Hair thingy http://www.mikal.org/photo_journal/burbank_200101/renaissance_art.jpg

Classical & Worldly Values Patron of the arts = financial supporter Renaissance Man = well rounded man Renaissance Woman = inspire art, not create it

Renaissance Art New artistic style Used perspective: 3D art on flat surface Show distance Emphasis on individuals Religion a major theme Realistic scenes (you can imagine seeing it happen)

Important artists Leonardo da Vinci Michaelangelo Raphael Mona Lisa True Renaissance man Michaelangelo Sistine Chapel David Raphael Madonna & child = one of favorite subjects

Looks natural Individual focus Very detailed Palma Vecchio Portrait of a Woman c. 1525 C.E. Palma Vecchio Looks natural Individual focus Very detailed http://www.flickr.com/photos/byray/2598179026/

School of Athens Raphael c. 1510-1511 C.E. Greek themes Perspective Realistic http://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/3482933474/

Small Cowper Madonna Raphael c. 1505 C.E. Individual Religious theme (notice halo) Perspective Realistic http://www.flickr.com/photos/byray/2598179026/

Renaissance Writers Vernacular = native, common language Authors used vernacular instead of Latin What impact does this have? More people can read the language – individuals gain power Focuses on self-expression or individual viewpoints

Machiavelli & The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli writes a famous book called The Prince The Prince is a guidebook for rulers Goal is to keep power People are corrupt & selfish so a ruler must be more corrupt and selfish Ruler might have to trick his own people for the good of the state

Machiavelli & The Prince The ends justify the means It’s good to get your subjects to like you However, when forced to make a choice: IT IS BETTER TO BE FEARED THAN LOVED Niccolo Machiavelli http://lagadin.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/machiavelli1.jpg