1. The Italian Renaissance

2. What was the Renaissance?
A “rebirth” or return to Classical (Greco-Roman) ideals in art, literature, social interests
Hallmarks: humanism, secularism, individualism, hedonism, concept of virtu, violent contrasts of thought.

3. Medieval Vs. Renaissance
Humanism – people can do good for themselves and society
Art – religious, secular, representing individuals as they look, seeking credit / fame, self-expression, patronized by rising middle class
Literature – for entertainment – vernacular, for instruction, Latin and sometimes vernacular
Attitude – questioning spirit, a desire to investigate the natural world as the ancients did
Medieval
Only God can do good
Art – religious, kings, symbolic, anonymous, functional
Literature – Bible, lives of Saints, in Latin
Attitude – accepting of Church’s explanations

4. • Celebrated the individual
• Stimulated the study of Greco-Roman literature and culture
• Was supported by wealthy patrons
The “Father of Humanism”
Francesco Petrarch
Assembled Greek and Roman writings.
Wrote love poems in the Vernacular (sonnets)
Humanist scholarship

5. Where was the Renaissance?
Florence, first.
Italian states: Milan, Naples, and Rome.
Spread to Northern Europe: Netherlands and Flanders

6. Why Italy?
Access to both the Mediterranean and western European trade routes.
Surrounded and inspired by Roman ruins and manuscripts
Trade in wool and banking had made Florence rich!
If you got it, spend it! Medicis in Florence were loaded!

7. The Medici’s Wealthy banking family of Florence, Italy
Cosimo came to rule Florence in 1430’s
The family ruled throughout the 15th Century and were patrons of the arts
Lorenzo diMedici was known as “the magnificent” for his patronage of the arts

8. Who made all this happen?
Patrons: Medici’s money.
Popes: Elaborate and vain – spent huge sums on the arts
Humanist thinkers: St. Francis, Castiglione, Machiavelli

9. Machiavelli
For what reasons could Machiavelli be considered to be a humanist?