European Renaissance & Reformation: Birth in Italy1300-1600

Italy’s Advantages•Explosion of creativity in art, writing, & thought

•Rebirth, revival of art & learning, of the Classic Age– new styles & new values= the individual

•Why Italy???• 1. thriving cities• 2. wealthy merchant class• 3. classical heritage• Merchants dominated politics, deserved power & wealth b/c of their individual merit

Classical & Worldly Values•Classics humanism- intel. movement that focused on human potential & achievements• Popularized the studies common in classical ed.– history, lit, & philosophy= humanities

•Suggested-- enjoy life w/out offending God• Most ppl remained Catholics; but the spirit of Renaissance society was secular– here & now

Classical & Worldly Values•Churches beautified cities BIG $ on art– patrons of the arts- financially support artists

•Ren. Man- all educated ppl were expected to create art. Master all studies= “Universal Man”

•Ren. Woman- know the classics, be charming, inspire art, educated, not political

Renaissance Revolutionizes Art•Artists portrayed religious subjects in a realistic style (copied from classical)• Greek & Roman subjects became popular, used the perspective technique= 3 dimensions

on a flat surface

•Emphasis on individuals– prominent citizens, individually distinctive

Prominent Artists•Sculptors, poets, architects, & painters

•Michelangelo Buonarroti- The Creation of Adam

•Donetello- sculpture of David

•Leonardo da Vinci- “Ren. Man”, Mona Lisa & The Last Supper

•Raphael Sanzio- School of Athens

The Creation of Adam

David

Mona Lisa & The Last Supper

School of Athens

Renaissance Writers Change Lit

•Used techniques writers rely on today• Vernacular- native language• Self-expression or to portray individuality

•Francesco Petrarch- father of humanism, sonnets

•Giovanni Boccaccio- Decameron, realistic, tragic & comical

•Niccolo Machiavalli- imperfect conduct of humans– political guidebook= The Prince

Quick Review Why did the birth of the Renaissance begin in Italy and what was it?

What is humanism?

How did the church and practicing Catholics view the Renaissance?

Who were the prominent artists and writers of this time and what are their famous works?

Activity: Engineering an Empire: da Vinci’s World

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