1. THE RENAISSANCE 1300-1650

2. What was the Renaissance? The “rebirth” of learning that took place after the Middle Ages (aka the Dark Ages) Many great works of art, literature and philosophy were created This ends up leading to important changes in religion as well (the Reformation)

3. Why do we study the Renaissance? Art & Architecture of the time is still admired and copied today. People still argue about the best ways to get and keep power – a topic of Machiavelli’s The Prince Shakespeare’s plays are still as popular today as they were when he wrote them Mass production of books was created during this time Christianity radically changed setting off tensions between many Christian groups that still exist today

4. Take a look at this map What’s different on this map, than on our map of Europe today?

5. Why Italy? 3 Reasons

6. 1. Thriving Cities Trade created by the crusades led to growth for Italian cities They are the easiest place to share/spread ideas

7. 2. Wealthy Merchant Class Trade=wealth=rich merchants=political power Believed they deserved power because of their individual merit – not who their ancestors were. Most famous – Medici Family of Florence.

8. 3. Classical Heritage of the Greeks & Romans Learn from their ancestors

9. HUMANISM Idea which focused on the importance of individuals and human society

10. Focus of Renaissance: Humanism Individual worth Importance of human achievement Importance of the human experience Not anti-religious, but less based on religion as a philosophy

11. Humanism’s Effects on Art Led to: Realism Focus on the human form Emotion Unique representations of human faces

12. Humanism’s Effects on Politics Emphasized independent states instead of a community of Christendom Led to progress – change seen as driven by people, not God

13. Humanism’s Effects on Knowledge Led to increased education More reading and literature Scientific Advancements

14. Medieval Art Religious subjects Important figures larger than those around them Lack of realism Faces show no emotion Scenes composed, not real

15. Renaissance Art In Renaissance Art we begin to see: – Perspective – Return to nude figures, naturalism – Realism (proportion & balance) – Nature – Non-religious subjects

16. Effects of the Renaissance Changes in the arts reflect growth of humanism Peoples’ view of life changed Advances in printing made more information available – rise in literacy People begin to question authority – Religion – Political structures