Circa
What does “Renaissance” mean? What was the Renaissance a rejection of? Who participated in the Renaissance?
How did the Renaissance set the stage for modern society? Think of… (attitudes towards politics, art, religion, social values and economics)
Began in Italy (Florence) Proximity to Rome Strong Economy Trade Expansion, East and West Italian city-states independent and prosperous Development of Banking During the late Medieval period Italy gained power as a commercial post between Asia and the West. It grew both politically and economically. Became a trade and credit based economy- trades such as bookkeeping, banking, soon followed.
A renewed interest in art and history fueled the period. “ad fontes” – “go back to the sources”. This meant to revisit the philosophies and ideas of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This coincided with an economic recovery in Europe. Marked the birth of the individual as opposed to being recognized through affiliation with a certain group. (race, class, sex, etc.)
Politics Elite rule by powerful familia(along with Popes, Cardinals, lords and Kings) Wealthy families patroned and sponsored artistic development (Medici in Florence) Plague? Invention of the Printing Press Moveable Type – Johann Gutenberg, 1439
Italy was in the middle of the East-West trading route The printing press allowed for learning to occur en mass! Invented in 1440 By Johannes Gutenberg
Italy was made up of city- states Merchant classes ruled, having taken power from the old feudal nobility Powerful families pursued notoriety through great artistic works, fuelling the revival of the arts with their substantial wealth.
Florence was the center of the Renaissance movement From Florence reigned as a republic. 1434: The Medici family became the dominant family of Florence. They made their money through banking. The would insure oligarchic control over Florence
Analyzing Renaissance Art
During the Renaissance, people found other things worth living for besides the afterlife
Shows man more equal to divine
The birth of venus, Sandro Botticelli (1458) Classical values rather than Christian life
Term created by the creators/participants in the Renaissance Greek and Latin classics as their inspiration Principles: Living in this world Human dignity Responsible citizen Value knowledge for its own sake Knowledge for personal and political conduct ((History, Literature, Ethics, Rhetoric))
Humanism stressed living in the world, human dignity, and being a responsible citizen Valued knowledge for knowledge sake, and as a guide to personal and political conduct
People are rational beings who possess within themselves the capacity for truth and goodness Emphasized the value of the Greek and Latin classics for their own sake, rather than for their relevance to Christianity Collection and translation of classical manuscripts Inspired by Plato (Aristotle inspired medieval scholarship) Centered around education Attempted to develop the character and intelligence of pupils by a general literary study of the ancient classics
Vision of man, not god, as perfect, individual
Love of learning, Classics, knowledge for self
Individual humans are capable of great accomplishments. Importance = freed remarkable individuals and geniuses (Leonardo da Vinci) to live up to their potential (Medieval discouraged innovation) Ex: Artists started signing their paintings (individualistic pride) Individualistic system of capitalism encouraged private enterprise
Celebrated the identity of individuals, Autobiography
New techniques (Perspective and realism) Express feelings about place of humanity in the world (modern notion of art representing the world external to us) Artists gained new stature, wealth Classicism in art and architecture Order Harmony Symmetry The Dead Christ Leonardo da Vinci
curiosity and the questioning of authority
Change from Medieval “Communal family” to the more modern “Nuclear Family” Growth of wealth Sovereign state Value of marital love and relationship with child
Excel at all matters Learning, craftmanship AND civic life Ex: Leonardo da Vinci ( ) Painter, Writer, Inventor, good at math and science “The Courtier” (1528) by Baldassare Castiglione Teach new courtly ideal of a Gentleman Civic life, public and private justice, wisdom, liberality, moderation Medieval equality of Knight and lady gone, now man is superior, woman there to please male
‘independence of mind’ A Person who mastered all areas of arts and thought… becoming a “complete man”. Humanity was mastering the world they lived in. “man’s fate could be controlled and improved”
Therefore, Medieval ideal was the Knight, Renaissance ideal was the intelligent, civilized Gentleman “Renaissance Man” describes a person with multiple capabilities, including artistic talent. Think of someone you know, or know of today who deserves the title “Renaissance Man” or “Renaissance Woman” and describe their talents and skills.