Introduction to the Renaissance

Rebirth of classical ideas: Renaissance The cultural awakening, or rebirth, that signaled the beginning of the modern era. Rebirth of classical ideas: art, architecture, philosophy, literature, finance, views of the world, etc.

Inspired by . . .

Renaissance Years: 1400-1600 (approximately) Began in Italy—mainly Florence Spread to Northern Europe, through Holland and Flanders and onto England, Denmark and Sweden Delayed or never hit certain countries like Holy Roman Empire, Baltics, Poland, Russia.

The City States of Italy

Why Italy? One of the first affected by the plague = first country to return to health and city life Church (center in Italy) weakened by plague = more secular approach, more concern for the arts Plague = more focus on life & enjoying it = more demand for arts & literature Loose confederation of states = much easier to change one or two parts, like Venice or Florence than a whole country, like France

Why Italy Most of the classics buried in Italy = easier to find through excavation and searching in the depths of churches (inspiration) Unique systems of government = allowed just enough freedom for arts to flourish Warm = more food, more people, more specialization Something in the water = rash of important Italians, kind of like our founding fathers

Philosophy: Humanism Intellectual movement focused on secular, or worldly, themes. Shift from God-centric to people-centric Strong belief in the individual Wanted to use classical beliefs to renew society

Merchants Rich merchants or traders emerged in city-states They dominate politics They didn’t inherit positions like nobles Thus, they felt they deserved riches because of their individual merit Individual achievement becomes a cornerstone of Renaissance

Medici Florence falls under control of a rich banking family, the Medici Cosimo de Medici rules Florence by using his wealth to loan money and create debt Dictator of Florence for 30 years His family rules Florence for generations after he dies

Cosimo de’ Medici (1434-1464) Piero I de’ Medici (1464-1469) Lorenzo I de’ Medici (1469-1492) Piero II de’ Medici (1492-1494) Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici (1512-1513)

Art Change in style Perspective: three dimensions on a flat surface Art becomes everything Wealthy people become patrons of art Financially supporting artists Would have their own portraits painted and displayed in public – huge ego boost Change in style Medieval: religion to show spiritual idea Renaissance: religion to show realistic style copied from Greeks and Romans Perspective: three dimensions on a flat surface