The Italian Renaissance The Birth of the Modern World

The Renaissance A sustained period of renewed interest and remarkable development in art, literature, science, and learning.

Causes of the Renaissance Black Death Surplus food=lower prices=extra money Trade Crusades – opened up Asia & Africa Specialization – regions focus on a few products Growth of city-states in Italy Powerful and wealthy merchants Rediscovery of classical culture (Greece, Rome) Focus on individuals and human nature

Where did it begin? Venice Trade Doge & Council of Ten Florence Medici family Banking Milan Food, silk, & weapons Papal States Pope & the Church

Old Ideas are New Again Crusades – ancient texts & knowledge rediscovered in Muslim culture Greek scholars fleeing Ottoman Turks bring Greek works Search through libraries to find works that had been “lost” or ignored during the very religious medieval times

Humanism Focus on secular themes, not religious Individualism – emphasis on dignity & worth of individual person Improvement – develop talents in various arts & skills

Renaissance Politics Seems to encourage harsh treatment of people Power & ruthlessness most useful for ruler “better for a ruler to be feared than loved” “The ends justify the means” The STATE and the RULER are NOT the same thing

Renaissance Society How to behave in society “Renaissance man” idea Handbook for how to advance your status

Renaissance Architecture Gothic (Medieval) Renaissance

Renaissance Art No one style, more of a change in attitudes & techniques Realism Perspective – optical illusion creating depth & 3D Individuals are focus Influence of classical styles Religious, mythological, or portrayal of upper class

Compare & Contrast Medieval Portrait Renaissance Portrait

Focus on individual

Realism & Influence of classics

Perspective

Mythological, religious, upper class

The Patrons Artists in medieval times were anonymous and art was religious During Renaissance wealthy individuals, city governments & the church became patrons Medici family Sforza family Roman Catholic Church Competition led to vibrant art scene where artists were like rock stars

The Artists Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo Raphael Bramante Painter, inventer, philosopher Michelangelo Painter, sculptor Raphael Architect, painter Bramante Architect