The Renaissance in Europe Chapter 15

Do-Now What is a Renaissance? How do you think it impacted Europe?

The Renaissance Time period: 1350-1600 Meaning “rebirth” Began in Italy in the 1300s Explored human experience instead of religion

Geography of Italy Italy thrived on their trading network Italy is surrounded by water: the Mediterranean Sea Italy used the Mediterranean Sea for protection and trade Italy traded with the Middle East, Africa, and Asia all thanks to the Mediterranean.

Government of Italy Italy during the Middle Ages did not set up a centralized monarchy Instead, Italy had a number of city states By the 15th century- 5 city states existed: Milan, Venice, Florence, the papal states which centered on Rome, and the Kingdom of Naples

The Five City States Each dominated politically and economically Milan, Venice, and Florence are located in northern Italy Milan- well known for trade Visconti family became the dukes in Milan The last Visconti died in 1447 Mercenaries (soldiers) fought to take over especially because they wanted money The most well known mercenary group is the Sforza Sforza’s took over and built a strong centralized state Brought in a tax system

Venice Another of Italy’s well known city states Attracted traders from all over the world Was a republic Had a leader called a doge Wealthy merchants ran the republic

Florence 14th century Small wealth group of merchants took over the Florentine government Merchants had a series of wars against their neighbors Established it as a strong city-state Cosimo de Medici- wealthy leader- ran the government from behind the scenes

The Social Classes Nobility-dominated society. Held important political posts and served as advisers to the king Peasants and Townspeople- Peasants were the majority of the population, serfdom declined.

The Social Classes 1. Patricians 2. Burghers- shopkeepers, artisans, guild masters, guild members 3. Workers/peasants 4. Unemployed

Family and Marriage Parents arranged marriages to strengthen business ties Fathers and husbands were at the center of the family Men managed the finances A woman’s role was to supervise the household

Machiavelli During the Renaissance, Niccolo Machiavelli wrote a book titled The Prince In The Prince, Machiavelli brings up an issue- is it better to be loved or feared. Machiavelli noted that the prince acts on behalf of the state. The leader (being the prince) must do good works when possible, but be ready to do evil when necessary

Section 2: Ideas and Art of the Renaissance

Humanism Humanism focused on the individual Goals: educate the whole person (today’s liberal arts) Based on the classics- the literature of ancient Greece and Rome Humanists wanted to revitalize their culture Renaissance art was very realistic

Francisco Petrarch Called the father of the Italian Renaissance humanism He placed an emphasis on classical Latin Believed that intellectuals had a duty to live an active civic life and to put their study of the humanities to the state’ service

Vernacular The humanistic approach led to people wanting to write down their findings, especially scholars, lawyers, and religious people Issue: in the different regions of Italy was a different vernacular (local spoken language)

The Printing Press Papermaking technologies were seen throughout the world The invention of the movable type in the 1400s led to Johann Gutenberg’s printing of the Bible in Germany in 1456 Outcome: Books became more available Literacy increased Ideas spread rapidly

Renaissance Artists Michelangelo- sculptor, engineer, poet, painter, architect. Best known for his statue of David Leonardo da Vinci- interested in the human anatomy, most well known painting is the Mona Lisa

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man

Michelangelo's David

Michelangelo's Pieta

Renaissance Art Fresco- a painting done on fresh, wet plaster with water-based paints Perspective- artistic techniques used to give the effect of three-dimensional depth to the two-dimensional surfaces

Fresco

Architecture: Brunelleschi’s Duomo

Inside the Duomo

Brunelleschi’s Gates of Paradise

Middle Ages Art Compared to the Renaissance