1. Italian Renaissance

2. Setting the Stage
During the late Middle Ages, Europeans suffered from both war and plague.
Those that survived, questioned the Church and also the structures of medieval society that blocked social advancement.
Many began to look to the classical past for ideas.

3. *Renaissance “rebirth” cultural awakening in Europe started in Italy
about 1350 – 1600

4. *Causes more trade between Europe and Islamic Empire
preservation of Greco-Roman knowledge by Byzantines and Muslims
more trade = more money

5. *Why Italy? center of trade routes
attachment to classical (Roman) traditions
prosperous city-states
Florence, Venice, Rome

6. Italy’s Advantages
The years 1300 to 1600 saw an explosion of creativity in Europe called the Renaissance.
Renaissance: Rebirth of art and learning
Began in Northern Italy and later spread North.
Italy had three advantages that fostered the Renaissance:
Thriving Cities
Wealthy Merchant Class
Classical heritage of Greece and Rome

7. Merchants
Merchants were the wealthiest, most powerful class and they dominated politics.
Unlike Nobles, merchants did not inherit social rank. Success in business depended mostly on their own wits.
Individual achievement was to become an important Renaissance theme.

8. Classical Heritage
Renaissance scholars looked down on the art and literature of the Middle Ages.
They wanted to return to the learning of the Greeks and Romans.
One reason the Renaissance began in Italy is that artists drew inspiration from the ruins of Rome that surrounded them.

9. *New Ideas
individualism – emphasis on person as individual rather than part of a group
secularism – focus on worldly themes instead of religious

10. Classics Lead to Humanism
The study of classical texts led to Humanism, which focused on human potential and achievements.
Instead of trying to make it agree with Christian teaching like Medieval scholars, humanists studied them to understand ancient Greek values.
Made popular the study of subjects such as history, literature and philosophy which are called Humanities.

11. Enjoying Life
Humanists suggested that a person could enjoy life without offending God.
In Renaissance Italy, the wealthy openly enjoyed material luxuries, fine music and tasty foods.
Most people remained devout Catholics, however, the basic spirit of Renaissance society was Secular -- concerned with the here and now.

12. Renaissance Revolutionizes Art
As the Renaissance advanced, artistic styles changed.
New Techniques:
Sculpture was made more realistic by carving natural postures and expressions that reveal personality.
Artists rediscovered the technique of perspective, which creates the appearance of three dimensions.

13. Key People
Niccolo Machiavelli
Leonardo da Vinci
Michelangelo
Petrarch

14. Patrons
Wealthy people who sponsored art
Showed high social status

15. *Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince – handbook for princes on ruling
supported absolute power
end justifies the means
try to do good, evil if needed

16. *Leonardo da Vinci artist, scientist, inventor
painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper
“Renaissance man”

17. Mona Lisa
Why is this painting so famous?

18. The Last Supper

19. The Last Supper - da Vinci, 1498
vertical
horizontal
Perspective!

20. *Michelangelo artist – painter and sculptor
painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
sculpted David

21. Sistine Chapel

23. Sistine Chapel
Fresco
Last Judgment back wall

24. The Sistine Chapel Details
The Last Judgment

25. David

26. *Petrarch poet and scholar
love sonnets inspired poetry in Romeo and Juliet
humanist writings

28. The School of Athens – Raphael, 1510 -11
Da Vinci
Raphael
Michelangelo

29. Raphael Painter