Lecture 13: The Renaissance Introduction to Western Civilization Music: Matona, mia cara – Orlando di Lassus (Netherlands/Belgium, 1532-1594)

The Renaissance Renaissance means “rebirth” in French It was a rebirth of interest in classical culture, especially Ancient Greek culture Began in Italy in the 1300s, and eventually spread to other parts of Europe Can be seen as both a continuation of trends that already began during the Late Middle Ages, as well as a new and different period of history

Florence and Humanism The Renaissance began in the Italian city of Florence in the 1300s Renaissance thinkers promoted the idea of humanism – that “man is the master of all things” and that we should value the genius and creativity of humans, rather than simply only study God and religion Ancient Greek texts became popular to study again – admiration for the Greek way of thinking (esp. ancient Athens)

New Ways of Thinking Renaissance humanists, such as Erasmus (1466-1536) encouraged close and careful reading of Christian texts, and satirized and criticized the failures of the Church Criticism of authority and independent thinking (slowly) began to become more important to the Western intellectual tradition Writers like Dante in Italy encouraged the use of the vernacular language in literature, and criticized authority figures such as the Church

Raphael – The School of Athens (1509-1511)

Trade, Commerce, and Powerful Families In the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, capitalism began to develop, especially banking Certain families became very wealthy and had a large influence in the affairs of the city Medici family in Florence The increasing wealth and growing economy helped generate art and creativity

Machiavelli’s The Prince How should a ruler govern? Niccolo Machiavelli: “It is better to be feared than loved.” Machiavelli favored ruthless leadership to achieve one’s objectives Modern English – “Machiavellian"

Spreading throughout Europe After starting in Italy, Renaissance ideas and culture spread throughout Europe, and many writers, artists, and thinkers are associated with this period, such as William Shakespeare of England

A Useful Reminder… Remember, most of the intellectual activity we’re talking about during this period only really mattered to a small elite group of people The vast majority of people still were common peasants