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Explore the birth of the Italian Renaissance in the late Middle Ages, its causes, and the key figures and works that revolutionized art during this time.
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Setting the Stage • During the late Middle Ages, Europeans suffered from both war and plague. • Those that survived, questioned the Church and also the structures of medieval society that blocked social advancement. • Many began to look to the classical past for ideas.
*Renaissance • “rebirth” • cultural awakening in Europe • started in Italy • about 1350 – 1600
*Causes • more trade between Europe and Islamic Empire • preservation of Greco-Roman knowledge by Byzantines and Muslims • more trade = more money
*Why Italy? • center of trade routes • attachment to classical (Roman) traditions • prosperous city-states • Florence, Venice, Rome
Italy’s Advantages • The years 1300 to 1600 saw an explosion of creativityin Europe called the Renaissance. • Renaissance: Rebirth of art and learning • Began in Northern Italy and later spread North. • Italy had three advantages that fostered the Renaissance: • Thriving Cities • Wealthy Merchant Class • Classical heritage of Greece and Rome
Merchants • Merchants were the wealthiest, most powerful class and they dominated politics. • Unlike Nobles, merchantsdid not inherit social rank.Successin business dependedmostly ontheir own wits. • Individual achievementwas to become an important Renaissance theme.
Classical Heritage • Renaissance scholarslooked down on the art and literature of the Middle Ages. • They wanted to return to the learning of the Greeks and Romans. • One reason the Renaissance began in Italy is that artists drew inspiration from the ruins of Rome that surrounded them.
*New Ideas • individualism – emphasis on person as individual rather than part of a group • secularism – focus on worldly themes instead of religious
Classics Lead to Humanism • The study of classical texts led to Humanism, which focused on human potential and achievements. • Instead of trying to make it agree with Christian teaching like Medieval scholars, humanists studied them to understand ancient Greek values. • Made popular the study of subjects such as history, literature and philosophy which are called Humanities.
Enjoying Life • Humanists suggested that a person could enjoy life without offending God. • In Renaissance Italy, the wealthy openly enjoyed material luxuries, fine music and tasty foods. • Most people remained devout Catholics, however, thebasic spirit of Renaissance society was Secular -- concerned with the here and now.
Renaissance Revolutionizes Art • As the Renaissance advanced, artistic styles changed. • New Techniques: • Sculpture was made more realisticby carving natural postures and expressions that reveal personality. • Artists rediscovered the technique ofperspective, which creates the appearance of three dimensions.
Key People • Niccolo Machiavelli • Leonardo da Vinci • Michelangelo • Petrarch
Patrons • Wealthy people who sponsored art • Showed high social status
*Niccolo Machiavelli • wrote The Prince– handbook for princes on ruling • supported absolute power • end justifies the means • try to do good, evil if needed
*Leonardo da Vinci • artist, scientist, inventor • painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper • “Renaissance man”
Mona Lisa Why is this painting so famous?
The Last Supper - da Vinci, 1498 vertical horizontal Perspective!
*Michelangelo • artist – painter and sculptor • painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel • sculpted David
Sistine Chapel • 1508-1512 • Fresco • Last Judgment back wall 1536-1541
The Sistine Chapel Details The Last Judgment
*Petrarch • poet and scholar • love sonnets inspired poetry in Romeo and Juliet • humanist writings
The School of Athens – Raphael, 1510 -11 Da Vinci Raphael Michelangelo
