Bell Ringer – 8/31 The Renaissance means “rebirth”. In what ways do you think society was being “reborn” after the Middle Ages?

Renaissance Key Things to Know

Italian City States Crusades – Christian military campaigns to the Middle East during the Middle Ages. Opened up trade routes from Europe to Silk Road trade Italian Peninsula became major hub for trade around Mediterranean Sea. Many cities became insanely rich. Powerful city-states emerged ruled by wealthy merchants and bankers. The Renaissance was born out of this influx of wealth to Italy. Renaissance = Rebirth

Humanism The most important aspect of the Renaissance was humanism. Humanists focus on the accomplishments of individuals and the importance of personal achievement. Want to be great on earth, rather than be humble for heaven. Ambition, competition, and constant search to be better. Secular – Focus is non-religious Humanism – Study and understand the ancient philosophy, writing, and poetry of ancient Greece and Rome. Middle Ages too focused on theology (study of religion) Knowledge is power. Knowledge makes you a better more interesting person. Humanities – Education that includes history, writing, languages, poetry, and art. Renaissance Man – Someone who is able to excel at all things.

Patrons and The Medici Wealthy Italian merchants and bankers needed a way to show off their riches. Patron – Someone who financially supports another persons work. Many wealthy families would hire artists full time to create specific pieces of art. Artists could focus full time on art, and their art got better and better. The Catholic Church also wanted show case their power and wealth. Hired artists to design churches and other religious themed art. Medici – Most powerful family in Florence. Responsible for the start of the artistic Renaissance. Sponsored great artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci

Bell Ringer – 9/1 What is a patron? Why were they important to Renaissance art?