Renaissance Review and Introduction to Renaissance Art

What we know about the Renaissance so far... The renaissance began in Italy The renaissance was shaped by renewed interest in the work and writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans The intellectual movement of humanism emerged, where there was a new faith in human effort, achievement and reason. The renaissance changed the way people saw themselves and the world around them

If the Renaissance was so great, why did it not start sooner? More people needed access to education; only the wealthy and people of the church were educated The feudal system needed to change; people needed to have more social mobility Everyday life had to get easier; more people needed free time to pursue their interests

Middle Ages versus The Renaissance 1066-1400 Feudal System: Manors and Castles Poor, worked very hard to survive Art was religious themed Pessimistic Stagnant, no change Renaissance 1400-1600 Growing towns and independent living More money, still worked, but more leisure time Art celebrated humankind Optimistic Lots of change New ideas, education and inventions (printing press)

Why Italy? Geography The weather was mild and warmer than most of Europe Harsh winter weather could not disrupt travel, trade, and food production Food was plentiful and available all year round Travel around the country could be done by land or sea

Still...why Italy? Trade Italy had many trade routes through major cities and harbours that were established since ancient Rome Florence and Venice became two of the richest cities in Europe All of Italy used Roman law, not medieval law. A clear legal code makes business smoother and faster. Descendents of Romans They were proud of their ancestry, so they were willing revive their old knowledge They were inspired by the ancient ruins that surrounded them

Then what was the big deal about art ...Then what was the big deal about art? What was the difference between renaissance art and medieval art? In your notes draw 3 Venn diagrams, big enough to write points in each section...

Using a Venn diagram, look at the images below and write what you notice is different and what is similar between the two... Consider subject, proportion, style, perspective, background, foreground... Deodato di Orlandi Raffaello Sanzio

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simon Central tympanum, cathedral of Chartres, France

Italo-Byzantinischer Meister Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci

For next class... Share and discuss your answers with your neighbour Bring back your notes and venn diagrams to add to them

For the next few classes... Renaissance art cont. Scientific discoveries in the renaissance Renaissance inventions and new technology Important people of the renaissance

To be continued with...