European Renaissance and Reformation 1300 – 1600 Chapter 1 Section 1

Main Ideas The Italian Renaissance was a rebirth of learning that produced many great works of art and literature. Renaissance art and literature still influence modern thought and modern art.

Introduction Europe had recently suffered from war and plague. Those fortunate enough to survive wanted to celebrate life. People began to question institutions, including the Church. Changing beliefs and practices would greatly change how Europeans saw themselves and their world.

Renaissance Renaissance – Rebirth – of art and learning Began in Northern Italy 1300-1600 A.D. Educated men and women of Italy wanted to bring back the culture of classical Greece and Rome. They ended up creating something new. Art, literature, and values.

Italy’s Advantages Thriving cities Mainly in Northern Italy – due to overseas trade Ideal breeding ground for an intellectual revolution. Fewer workers due to the Bubonic plague. Killed 60% of population. Without a lot of business opportunities, merchants moved toward other interests, such as art.

Italy’s Advantages Wealthy merchants A wealthy merchant class developed in each city-state. The small population of each allowed for a high percentage of citizens to be involved in politics. Merchants, unlike nobles, earned their power and wealth. Importance of individual achievement. Medici – banking family in Florence. Cosimo de Medici ruled Florence as a dictator for 30 years by handing out loans to the ruling council, not by seeking political office.

Italy’s Advantages Classical heritage Renaissance scholars looked down on the art & literature from the Middle Ages. Looked instead to the Greeks and Romans.

Humanism Intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements. Came from the study of classical texts. Humanists did not look at the texts to relate them to Christianity, but rather to understand ancient Greek values. Popularized the study of history, literature, and philosophy.

Worldly Pleasures Middle Ages – believed that one should wear ragged clothing and eat plain food to please God. Humanists suggested that people can enjoy life without offending God. Secular – basic spirit of the Renaissance, worldly and concerned with here and now. Included church leaders, who lived in mansions, threw lavish banquets and wore expensive clothes.

Patrons of the Art Those who financially support the arts. Included merchants, powerful families, and even the Church. To demonstrate their own importance, people would have their portraits painted or donate art to be displayed in the public square.

Renaissance revolutionizes art As the Renaissance advanced, artistic styles changed. New Techniques Sculpting statues, painting important people, and three dimensional painting. Perspective – shows three dimensions on a flat surface. See pages 44-45 for examples of Renaissance Art.

Realistic painting and sculpture Artists focused on painting prominent citizens, due to the new focus on the individual. Michelangelo used a realistic style when sculpting, painting, designing or writing. Donatello made realistic sculptures by carving natural postures and expressions that reveal personality.

Leonardo, renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci 1452-1519 Painter, sculptor, inventor, and scientist “Renaissance Man” = mastered every area Studied the human body Painted the Last Supper, Mona Lisa

Raphael advances realism Raphael Sanzio 1475-1564 Studied Michelangelo & Leonardo Realist Often used perspective School of Athens shows influence of Renaissance.

Renaissance Writers change literature Vernacular – writing in native languages Many writers before the Renaissance used Latin. Now many writers began to use their native language. Wrote to express themselves or to portray the individuality of their subjects.

Machiavelli advises rulers Niccolo Machiavelli The Prince – a political guidebook; examined the imperfect conduct of humans. Examined how a ruler can gain power and keep it in spite of his enemies. Believed that a ruler must be deceitful and strong in order to do what is good for the state.