Italy: The Birthplace of the Renaissance

Cultural Revivals – s CHINA CHINA –Ming Dynasty 1368 –Promotion of Chinese culture (Mongols expelled) –Confucian Education –Yongle’s Encyclopedia –Zheng He (cultural exchanges / promoted Chinese goods) WESTERN EUROPE WESTERN EUROPE –Renaissance (Rebirth) in post-Plague, post-Middle Ages era –Artistic, Intellectual, Creative rebirth –“Classical” rebirth (Greece & Rome) in art, sculpture, literature, philosophy) –Urban society again –Strong Political Authorities (begin looking outward / exploration)

The Renaissance = “Rebirth” –Europe had suffered years of war and plague –Many wanted a rebirth in classical culture, arts, and learning –Italy became the center of the Renaissance for 3 reasons Urban Centers – people exchanged ideas easily in large cities. The plague stopped many merchant businesses – many turned to art and learning Urban Centers – people exchanged ideas easily in large cities. The plague stopped many merchant businesses – many turned to art and learning Merchants – Wealthy people who dominated politics. Merchants – Wealthy people who dominated politics. Classical Heritage – Wanted to return to the greatness of Ancient Greece and Rome. Classical Heritage – Wanted to return to the greatness of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Renaissance Values –Many studied Humanism – focus on human potential and achievements, not just Christian teachings –Enjoying worldly pleasures –Patrons of the arts (those wealthy enough to donate $$ to artists) Many wanted to become a “Renaissance Man” (a universal man; one who mastered every area of study) Many wanted to become a “Renaissance Man” (a universal man; one who mastered every area of study)

Renaissance Artwork –Realistic styles –Greek and Roman subjects became popular –Many well-known artists Michelangelo – glorified the human body Michelangelo – glorified the human body Donatello – Realistic sculptures with posture and personality Donatello – Realistic sculptures with posture and personality Leonardo da Vinci – Sculptor, inventor, interested in how things work Leonardo da Vinci – Sculptor, inventor, interested in how things work –Well-known works include the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

Vanishing Point Mastered the technique of a Vanishing Point – which is a perspective based on an illusion… Mastered the technique of a Vanishing Point – which is a perspective based on an illusion… –As parallel lines stretch from the viewer, they seem to draw together until they meet at a spot on the horizon

The Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo

Renaissance Sculpture

Renaissance Literature –Niccolo Machiavelli – Wrote The Prince Examined imperfect conduct of humans Examined imperfect conduct of humans Said that most are selfish and corrupt Said that most are selfish and corrupt To be successful, a leader must trick his enemies and his own people for the good of the state To be successful, a leader must trick his enemies and his own people for the good of the state Not concerned with morals – but what was effective Not concerned with morals – but what was effective