2. From Dark to Light Feudalism still exits in Western Europe
The 100 Years’ War is being fought (Eng-Fr)
Most of the European world is still in the Middle Ages… but in one small region, there is BRILLIANCE!
Florence, Italy

3. An Explosion of Knowledge
Renaissance = mean “Rebirth”
It is a rebirth in the classical teachings of Greece and Rome
An explosion of creativity in art, writing, and thought

4. Why Italy? Feudalism had less of an impact there.
The Pope brought power
and wealth back to Rome
Italy was free from
outside interference (wars)

5. Why Italy? They had several advantages over the rest of Europe
1. The Crusades brought wealth to merchants
in Italy – location, location, location = favorable
balance of trade (MERCANTILISM)
2. Merchants dominated politics, and banking. They
competed to sponsor artists

6. Why Italy?
3 Powerful city-states developed (Northern Italy)
4. The ruins of Roman civilization were visible in Italy (roads, aqueducts, public buildings, monuments)… they never forgot their heritage

7. Humanism Intellectual movement focusing on potential and achievements
The study of History, Literature and Philosophy
(The Humanities)
A strong desire to recover the classical heritage of Rome and Greece

8. Worldly Pleasures
Renaissance scholars & artists hated the Middle Ages – called it the “Dark Ages”
Medieval architecture (Gothic) considered barbarian
Humanist suggested people could enjoy life without offending God (Secular)
- music mansions
- art clothes
- fine foods

9. Patrons of the Arts
Popes and wealthy families supported artists financially
They became patrons of the arts

10. The Medici Family Powerful banking family from Florence, Italy
They had offices in every town in Europe
Cosimo de Medici was the wealthiest European of the time

11. Renaissance Man and Woman
The Courtier by Castiglione detailed how a man should strive to become a master in every study and seek fame
A woman should be charming, inspire art not create it, avoid fame

12. Leonardo da Vinci The Original Renaissance Man Painter Sculptor
Inventor
Architect
Mathmatician
Politician

13. Mona Lisa

14. The Last Supper

15. Vitruvian Man

16. Giant Catapult

17. Propeller

18. Flying Machine

19. 4 Features of Renaissance Art
Individualism – unique qualities of human face, show individual character in lifelike way
Balance & Proportion – nature as standard, architecture for realism, show images in proper size
Perspective – impression of depth and distance on flat surface
Oil Paint – allowed painters to work more slowly, make new colors, life-like effects, show texture

20. 1. Realism & Expression Expulsion from the Garden Masaccio 1427
First nudes since classical times

21. First use of linear perspective!
The Trinity
Masaccio
1427
Perspective!
Perspective!
Perspective!
Perspective!
Perspective!
Perspective!
First use of linear perspective!

22. 3. Classicism Greco-Roman influence. Secularism. Humanism.
Individualism  free standing figures.
Symmetry/Balance 3
The “Classical Pose” Medici “Venus”

23. 4. Emphasis on Individualism
Focus on the persons more natural traits. Not some image of what a person should look like.
Piero della Francesca,