The Italian Renaissance (1330-1527)

What was it? A “rebirth of classical ideas” when Italian cities became the intellectual and artistic centers of Europe. It was the awakening of the human spirit - feelings and thoughts- that celebrated nature and the dignity of man with new learning and new styles of art.

What was it? It was not a religious or scientific change; but one that was moral, secular (non-religious) , and personal.

Where did it occur? Florence Rome Venice Milan Naples Genoa Italian City-States: Florence Rome Venice Milan Naples Genoa

Italian City-States at the time of the Renaissance

Who was involved? Ruling families of the Italian city- states Wealthy merchants who sponsored the artists Pope and higher ranking church officials Nobility & persons of power Scholars & educated

Who was involved? Renaissance culture applied almost exclusively to the upper classes (popolo grasso). Upper classes had the luxury of time to spend learning the classics. Women were also included. Renaissance ideas had little impact on common people (popolo minuto). Peasantry was largely illiterate and poor ; Working classes and small merchants were far too preoccupied with the concerns of daily life.

Who was involved? The key individuals in art were Michelangelo DaVinci Raphael Botticelli Titian Donatello Brunelleschi Early innovators Giotto Massacio

The key individuals in literature were Who was involved? The key individuals in literature were Boccaccio: The Decameron Dante: The Divine Comedy... Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradisio Machiavelli: The Prince (1513) Castiglione: The Book of the Courtier (1518) rules on the correct behavior of man Early innovators Petrarch: Revived Ancient Greek & Roman Themes- “Father of Humanism”

Why did the Renaissance occur? Economic growth was the basis for the Renaissance Northern Italy (centrally located) benefited from trade between the Middle East/Asia and the rest of Europe. Extreme competition between city- states in Italy. Italy recovered faster from the tragedy of the Plague and was unaffected by war, unlike England & France.

How did it occur? It started in Florence as the Medici family, powerful merchants, gained control of papal banking. Merchants and nobility showed their wealth by patronizing the arts. Individuals had a loyalty to their own city- states.

How did it occur? Rivalries led to competition among cities and a rebirth of artists in Italy. The popes attempted to compete with the monarchs of Europe- used their wealth to build a “palace”- the Vatican.

Results of the event The Renaissance led to advances in culture throughout Europe; it also fostered a spirit of nationalism. Renaissance was characterized by self-conscious awareness that Italians were living in a new era - supported by wealthy patrons.

Results of the event The Renaissance was viewed as “the light” after the gloom of the Dark Ages. A deep interest in Latin, a revival of the antique lifestyle, and a more secular spirit took root. A new individualism appeared - Humanism.

Results of the event City-state rivalries did not allow for a united Italy. The region became a battleground in a series of power struggles between Spain and France, and later the Holy Roman Empire, over territory. Sack of Rome in 1527 by armies of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (who was also king of Spain) symbolized the end of the Renaissance in Italy.

Influence on later historical events Italian Renaissance influences the Northern Renaissance in NW Europe. The concept that “the state is supreme to the church”- New monarchs assert power over national churches. Renaissance popes become worldly and corrupt.

Influence on later historical events The rise of Portuguese & Spanish exploration- they were attempting to trade by avoiding the Italian controlled Mediterranean. A split in the Christian church- Protestant Reformation