1. Introduction to the Renaissance

2. Rebirth of classical ideas:
Renaissance
The cultural awakening, or rebirth, that signaled the beginning of the modern era.
Rebirth of classical ideas:
art, architecture, philosophy, literature, finance, views of the world, etc.

3. Inspired by . . .

4. Renaissance Years: 1400-1600 (approximately)
Began in Italy—mainly Florence
Spread to Northern Europe, through Holland and Flanders and onto England, Denmark and Sweden
Delayed or never hit certain countries like Holy Roman Empire, Baltics, Poland, Russia.

6. The City States of Italy

7. Why Italy?
One of the first affected by the plague = first country to return to health and city life
Church (center in Italy) weakened by plague = more secular approach, more concern for the arts
Plague = more focus on life & enjoying it = more demand for arts & literature
Loose confederation of states = much easier to change one or two parts, like Venice or Florence than a whole country, like France

8. Why Italy
Most of the classics buried in Italy = easier to find through excavation and searching in the depths of churches (inspiration)
Unique systems of government = allowed just enough freedom for arts to flourish
Warm = more food, more people, more specialization
Something in the water = rash of important Italians, kind of like our founding fathers

9. Philosophy: Humanism
Intellectual movement focused on secular, or worldly, themes.
Shift from God-centric to people-centric
Strong belief in the individual
Wanted to use classical beliefs to renew society

10. Merchants Rich merchants or traders emerged in city-states
They dominate politics
They didn’t inherit positions like nobles
Thus, they felt they deserved riches because of their individual merit
Individual achievement becomes a cornerstone of Renaissance

11. Medici
Florence falls under control of a rich banking family, the Medici
Cosimo de Medici rules Florence by using his wealth to loan money and create debt
Dictator of Florence for 30 years
His family rules Florence for generations after he dies

12. Cosimo de’ Medici ( )
Piero I de’ Medici ( )
Lorenzo I de’ Medici ( )
Piero II de’ Medici ( )
Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici ( )

13. Art Change in style Perspective: three dimensions on a flat surface
Art becomes everything
Wealthy people become patrons of art
Financially supporting artists
Would have their own portraits painted and displayed in public – huge ego boost
Change in style
Medieval: religion to show spiritual idea
Renaissance: religion to show realistic style copied from Greeks and Romans
Perspective: three dimensions on a flat surface