1. Renaissance Review and Introduction to Renaissance Art

2. What we know about the Renaissance so far...
The renaissance began in Italy
The renaissance was shaped by renewed interest in the work and writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans
The intellectual movement of humanism emerged, where there was a new faith in human effort, achievement and reason.
The renaissance changed the way people saw themselves and the world around them

3. If the Renaissance was so great, why did it not start sooner?
More people needed access to education; only the wealthy and people of the church were educated
The feudal system needed to change; people needed to have more social mobility
Everyday life had to get easier; more people needed free time to pursue their interests

5. Middle Ages versus The Renaissance
Feudal System: Manors and Castles
Poor, worked very hard to survive
Art was religious themed
Pessimistic
Stagnant, no change
Renaissance
Growing towns and independent living
More money, still worked, but more leisure time
Art celebrated humankind
Optimistic
Lots of change
New ideas, education and inventions (printing press)

6. Why Italy?
Geography
The weather was mild and warmer than most of Europe
Harsh winter weather could not disrupt travel, trade, and food production
Food was plentiful and available all year round
Travel around the country could be done by land or sea

7. Still...why Italy?
Trade
Italy had many trade routes through major cities and harbours that were established since ancient Rome
Florence and Venice became two of the richest cities in Europe
All of Italy used Roman law, not medieval law. A clear legal code makes business smoother and faster.
Descendents of Romans
They were proud of their ancestry, so they were willing revive their old knowledge
They were inspired by the ancient ruins that surrounded them

8. Then what was the big deal about art
...Then what was the big deal about art? What was the difference between renaissance art and medieval art?
In your notes draw 3 Venn diagrams, big enough to write points in each section...

9. Using a Venn diagram, look at the images below and write what you notice is different and what is similar between the two... Consider subject, proportion, style, perspective, background, foreground...
Deodato di Orlandi
Raffaello Sanzio

10. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simon
Central tympanum, cathedral of Chartres, France

11. Italo-Byzantinischer Meister
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci

12. For next class... Share and discuss your answers with your neighbour
Bring back your notes and venn diagrams to add to them

13. For the next few classes...
Renaissance art cont.
Scientific discoveries in the renaissance
Renaissance inventions and new technology
Important people of the renaissance

14. To be continued with...