The Renaissance and Humanism Europe, 1100s-1300s

What was the Renaissance? A time of creativity and change. Renaissance means “rebirth” Rebirth of art, literature, and science after the Middle Ages.

Before the Renaissance… It was the Middle Ages Most people lived on manors under feudalism Most people were serfs Most people could not read or write

Before the Renaissance… There was no money economy Art revolved around the church

Causes of the Renaissance Crusades caused an increase in trade Money gained importance

Causes of the Renaissance Bubonic Plague caused a decline in the population. Labor became scarce. Serfs could demand more rights, including the right to be paid for their labor. Serfs could also leave the manor in search of better opportunities. Many moved to cities in search of a better life.

Causes of the Renaissance Commercial Revolution created a money economy

Causes of the Renaissance Merchants became wealthy and had extra money to spend Much of the extra money was spent on art

Where did it begin? The Renaissance began in Italy.

Why did it begin in Italy? Italian city-states were centers of trade Merchants in these cities were wealthy They had extra money to spend on the arts

New Ways of Thinking During the Middle Ages, art and literature focused on religious themes and life after death.

New Ways of Thinking During the Renaissance, thinkers began to focus on life in the present. Renaissance thinkers developed a new way of thinking called Humanism.

Humanism What word do you see in “humanism”? HUMAN! This should help you remember what it means.

Humanism: a new way of thinking that humans could achieve things on their own without God. The idea that humans are powerful and that their achievements should be celebrated. This often comes up in the multiple choice section of the regents exam!

Artistic Achievements Art was supported by wealthy merchants Artists rejected medieval art and returned to Greek and Roman styles (*rebirth*) Art reflected humanist concerns – Realistic – Painted every day people and events

Famous Artists Michelangelo: painted the Sistine Chapel Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa, sketches of anatomy

Literary Achievements During the Middle Ages, books were written in Latin and few could read them. During the Renaissance, books were written in everyday language (English, Spanish, French) so more people could read. This reflected humanism Everyday language=vernacular

Famous Writers Shakespeare: Wrote about the joys and sorrows of human life. Machiavelli: Wrote about the best way for leaders to rule Believed it was better to be feared than loved Believed the ends justify the means

Summary of the Renaissance Period in Europe after the Middle Ages A *rebirth* of learning, art, and science Rise of humanism Many famous artists and writers reflected humanism in their work