The Renaissance 1350-1600

Review What does “Renaissance” mean? What was the Renaissance a rejection of? Who participated in the Renaissance?

Focus question How did the Renaissance set the stage for modern society? Think of… (attitudes towards politics, art, religion, social values and economics)

What made the renaissance possible? Began in Italy (Florence) Proximity to Rome Strong Economy Trade Expansion, East and West Italian city-states independent and prosperous Development of Banking

What made the renaissance possible? Politics Elite rule by powerful familia(along with Popes, Cardinals, lords and Kings) Wealthy families patroned and sponsored artistic development (Medici in Florence) Plague? Invention of the Printing Press Moveable Type – Johann Gutenberg, 1439

New Patterns of Thought Analyzing Renaissance Art

1. Secularism During the Renaissance, people found other things worth living for besides the afterlife

The Creation of adam, Michelangelo Shows man more equal to divine

Classical values rather than Christian life The birth of venus, Sandro Botticelli (1458) Classical values rather than Christian life

2. Humanism Term created by the creators/participants in the Renaissance Greek and Latin classics as their inspiration Principles: Living in this world Human dignity Responsible citizen Value knowledge for its own sake Knowledge for personal and political conduct ((History, Literature, Ethics, Rhetoric))

Michelangelo David Vision of man, not god, as perfect, individual

School of Athens, Raphael (1510) Love of learning, Classics, knowledge for self

3. Individualism Individual humans are capable of great accomplishments. Importance = freed remarkable individuals and geniuses (Leonardo da Vinci) to live up to their potential (Medieval discouraged innovation) Ex: Artists started signing their paintings (individualistic pride) Individualistic system of capitalism encouraged private enterprise

self portrait, leonardo da vinci Celebrated the identity of individuals, Autobiography

4. Skepticism curiosity and the questioning of authority

Renaissance Art New techniques (Perspective and realism) Express feelings about place of humanity in the world (modern notion of art representing the world external to us) Artists gained new stature, wealth Classicism in art and architecture Order Harmony Symmetry The Dead Christ Leonardo da Vinci

Renaissance family Change from Medieval “Communal family” to the more modern “Nuclear Family” Growth of wealth Sovereign state Value of marital love and relationship with child

“Renaissance man” Excel at all matters Learning, craftmanship AND civic life Ex: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) Painter, Writer, Inventor, good at math and science “The Courtier” (1528) by Baldassare Castiglione Teach new courtly ideal of a Gentleman Civic life, public and private justice, wisdom, liberality, moderation Medieval equality of Knight and lady gone, now man is superior, woman there to please male

Therefore, Medieval ideal was the Knight, Renaissance ideal was the intelligent, civilized Gentleman “Renaissance Man” describes a person with multiple capabilities, including artistic talent. Think of someone you know, or know of today who deserves the title “Renaissance Man” or “Renaissance Woman” and describe their talents and skills.