The Renaissance

What was the Renaissance?  French for “rebirth”  Intellectual and economic changes that occurred in Europe from the 14 th -16 th centuries  An age in which artistic, social, scientific and political thought in new directions.  Rediscovery of the Greek and Roman tradition helped artists reproduce visual images accurately.  Marks the entry of civilization into “modern times”, the period in which we live in today

Why Italy?  Italian cities survived The Middle Ages, became more modern  Italy had been the center of the Roman Empire, made sense for re-awakening many monuments of the civilization and the grandeur of ancient Rome many monuments of the civilization and the grandeur of ancient Rome Florence- symbolized energy & brilliance of Renaissance Florence- symbolized energy & brilliance of Renaissance

Major Renaissance movements  New attitudes towards culture and learning  Spirit of adventure  Humanism- Studied and focused on worldy subjects rather than on religious issues Education should stimulate the individual’s creative powers Education should stimulate the individual’s creative powers Petrarch- “Father of Renaissance” or “Father of Humanism” Petrarch- “Father of Renaissance” or “Father of Humanism” Assembled Greek and Roman literature; wrote literature of his own.Assembled Greek and Roman literature; wrote literature of his own.

Golden Age of the Arts  Paintings, sculpture & architecture.  Wealthy patrons would financially support the arts Medici Family- richest merchants and bankers in Europe Medici Family- richest merchants and bankers in Europe  Paintings very realistic Perspective- Making distant objects smaller than those close to the viewer Perspective- Making distant objects smaller than those close to the viewer

Perspective

Geniuses of Renaissance Art  Leonardo da Vinci- Artist (Mona Lisa), but also had talents over other areas. Definition of a “Renaissance Man”  Michelangelo- Sculptor, painter. Best known for his statue of David & mural on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel  Rafael- Studied the works of Leonardo & Michelangelo; best known for School of Athens

Leonardo da Vinci

Michelangelo

Rafael

Italian Renaissance Writers  Castiglione- wrote the Book of the Courtier; describes the manners and skills that a member of court should have  Machiavelli- wrote The Prince. End justifies the means End justifies the means Urged rulers to do whatever necessary to achieve their goals Urged rulers to do whatever necessary to achieve their goals