The Italian Renaissance The Birth of the Modern World
The Renaissance • A sustained period of renewed interest and remarkable development in art, literature, science, and learning.
Causes of the Renaissance • Black Death ▫ Surplus food=lower prices=extra money
• Trade ▫ Crusades – opened up Asia & Africa ▫ Specialization – regions focus on a few products
• Growth of city-states in Italy ▫ Powerful and wealthy merchants
• Rediscovery of classical culture (Greece, Rome) • Focus on individuals and human nature
Where did it begin? • Venice ▫ Trade ▫ Doge & Council of Ten • Florence ▫ Medici family ▫ Banking • Milan ▫ Food, silk, & weapons • Papal States ▫ Pope & the Church
Old Ideas are New Again • Crusades – ancient texts & knowledge rediscovered in Muslim culture • Greek scholars fleeing Ottoman Turks bring Greek works • Search through libraries to find works that had been “lost” or ignored during the very religious medieval times
Humanism • Focus on secular themes, not religious • Individualism – emphasis on dignity & worth of individual person • Improvement – develop talents in various arts & skills
Renaissance Politics • Seems to encourage harsh treatment of people • Power & ruthlessness most useful for ruler • “better for a ruler to be feared than loved” • “The ends justify the means” • The STATE and the RULER are NOT the same thing
Renaissance Society • How to behave in society • “Renaissance man” idea • Handbook for how to advance your status
Renaissance Architecture Gothic (Medieval)
Renaissance
Renaissance Art • No one style, more of a change in attitudes & techniques ▫ Realism ▫ Perspective – optical illusion creating depth & 3D ▫ Individuals are focus ▫ Influence of classical styles ▫ Religious, mythological, or portrayal of upper class
Compare & Contrast Medieval Portrait
Renaissance Portrait
Focus on individual
Realism & Influence of classics
Perspective
Mythological, religious, upper class
The Patrons • Artists in medieval times were anonymous and art was religious • During Renaissance wealthy individuals, city governments & the church became patrons ▫ Medici family ▫ Sforza family ▫ Roman Catholic Church
• Competition led to vibrant art scene where artists were like rock stars
The Artists • Leonardo da Vinci ▫ Painter, inventer, philosopher
