1. 17.1- Italy-Birthplace of Renaissance

2. Recap End of Middle Ages ~1500 AD
Emergence of stronger central government and nationalism
100 Years’ War ends importance of knights-what kills them?
After plague, war, etc-people start losing faith in Church

3. Italy as Starting Point
Renaissance Movement from about AD
“Rebirth”-new way of art, thinking, learning, etc.
Italy dominated by major city-states-huge spread of ideas-why?
Birth of wealthy merchant class in Italy- dominated local politics
Did not inherit class-used wits, intellect, etc.
All of Florence under Medici family in 1434
Sought to return to thinking of Greeks and Romans and focus on importance of individual

5. Humanism and Pleasure
Study of classics led to humanism-human potential and achievement
No more focus on agreeing with Christianity-interested in understanding ancient Greek values
Rich lived in luxury with clothing, food, etc.
Although most people still Catholic-focus on secular (worldly) as opposed to spiritual

6. Focus on Arts
Church leaders and cities spent huge amounts of money on art
Known as patrons-financially supported artists
Renaissance man-expected to create art and master every area of study
Charming, witty, and well educated in the classics
Renaissance women-inspire art but not create it
More powerful than medieval counterparts-still little power

7. Realistic Painting and Sculpture
Focus on perspective-3 dimensions on flat surface
Much painting of prominent citizens
Also realistic sculpting (Michelangelo)
Donatello-realistic sculpture of David-favorite subject for many sculptors

11. Leonardo da Vinci & Raphael
Painter, sculptor, and scientist (Renaissance man)
Incorporated findings about muscles, veins, etc. in his art
Painted Mona Lisa and Last Supper
Raphael learned by studying Leonardo and Michelangelo
Painted expressions of gentle and calm

17. Renaissance Writers
Use of vernacular (common language) instead of Latin
Petrarch-14 line sonnets
Boccaccio-Decameron-off-color humor to talk about human condition
Machiavelli-The Prince-how rulers should get and keep power
People are selfish and corrupt-need to be strong and shrewd to succeed
Vittoria Colonna-woman who helped publish Courtier-Renaissance book about how to succeed as a person