Ms. Soles Social Studies

Ms. SolesSocial Studies Lesson 52 The Renaissance: Part I

Lesson Topics Renaissance Beginning Humanism The Printing Press Social Classes Renaissance Art

Terms to Know: Renaissance: A period of time of European history, a term that means “a rebirth”, which was a rebirth of interest in learning and art. Humanism: An approach to learning that emphasizes the importance of human nature and the abilities of human beings.

Where is Florence, Italy?http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence

A collage of Florence showing the Uffizi (top left), followed by the Pitti Palace, a sunset view of the city and the Fontana del Nettuno in the Piazza della Signoria

This change/movement of life in Europe was a gradual one. Change actually began in the 1300’s in Italy and spread over the continent. One example of this movement was Columbus’ search for a new trade route to the East. Traders were buying and selling goods far and wide.

The social classes included more in the middle, the rich became even richer. There was more time and opportunity for enjoyment of the art and learning that had been less available during the Middle Ages. There was more money to support the artists and scholars. The peak of this period, the renaissance, was in the 1500’s.

The unique political structures of late Middle AgesItaly have led some to theorize that its unusual social climate allowed the emergence of a rare cultural development.

Fifteenth-century Italy was one of the most urbanised areas in Europe.22 Many of its cities stood among the ruins of ancient Roman buildings; it seems likely that the classical nature of the Renaissance was linked to its origin in the Roman Empire's heartland.23

Let’s allow :http://wwwmrdowling.com/704renaissance.htmlgive us a good introduction to this new age: THE RENAISSANCE

Renaissance scholars employed the humanist method in study, and searched for realism and human emotion in art.11

Renaissance scholars differed much from the medieval scholars of the Renaissance of the 12th century, who had focused on studying Greek and Arabic works of natural sciences, philosophy and mathematics, rather than on such cultural texts.

Renaissance humanists did not reject Christianity, many of the Renaissance's greatest works were devoted to it, and the Church patronized many works of Renaissance art.

Leonardo da VinciSelf-portrait Mona Lisa Let’s take a closer look at more Renaissance art;

The Last Supper Portrait of Michelangelo, by Jacopino del Conte

Michelangelo's Pietà, a depiction of the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion, was carved in 1499, when the sculptor was 24 years old.

In 1513 Pope Julius II died and his successor Pope Leo X, of the Medici family, commissioned Michelangelo to reconstruct the façade of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence and to adorn it with sculptures.

The fresco of The Last Judgment on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel was commissioned by Pope Clement VII, who died shortly after assigning the commission. Paul III was instrumental in seeing that Michelangelo began and completed the project. Michelangelo labored on the project from 1534 to October 1541.

Michelangelo designed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, although it was unfinished when he died.

Renaissance Quiz http://www.mrdowling.com/704quiz.html

We’ll conclude our exploration of the Renaissance period for now. In our next lesson, Part II, we will learn more about science and inventions of the Renaissance, as well as monarchs of the period and changes in trade.Good-bye!

Resources http://www.wikipedia.org http://www.mrdowling.com http://www.classroomclipart.com

Ms. Soles Social Studies