what caused the italian renaissance? The Black Plague Decline in population leads to food surplus and increase in business activity Food surplus leads to low prices-extra income Effect of this- the growth of city-states on Italian coast that produce wealth through trade

growth of city-states Cities on Italian coast become major centers of trade These include Florence, Venice, and Milan Education and the art begin to grown in these cities

Key people MachiavellipoliticsThe Prince Galileoastronomy Movement of the planets Medici banking politics patron of the arts Michelangelo arts and sciences Sistine Chapel Ceiling, David Da Vinci artist, inventor The Mona Lisa The Last Supper

Humanism Intellectual movement focusing on worldly rather than strictly religious subjects Stress is on individual achievement and development of one’s potential- not emphasized in medieval church Recapturing of Greek and Roman classics

secular writers Secular writers have a worldly rather than a spiritual focus Talents should be used in service of their cities- not just to serve God Example- Machiavelli- wrote about politics and said that cruel behavior is sometimes justified Castiglione- said ideal person should be well rounded and know many subjects

characteristics of renaissance art realistic portrayal of people and other subjects and respect for individuality use of perspective- appearance of depth and distance influence of Ancient Greece and Rome Beauty, balance and harmony

Differences from medieval art Realistic views of people- showing character and personality Focus on topics beyond religion- even religious figures are shown with more depth New materials and techniques- oil painting, use of perspective

Medieval Painting- The Last Supper