The Renaissance

What is the Renaissance?

What is the Renaissance?

Renaissance is a French word meaning "rebirth." It refers to a time period in European civilization that was marked by a revival of learning that focused on Greek and Roman Influences.

Why Italy? Why did the Renaissance occur in Italy? Know the two reasons.

The Renaissance occurred in Italy because Italy was made up of many City-states which gained a lot of wealth during trading and the Roman Empire had its roots in Italy.

Who is a Renaissance Man (describe and give examples)?

A Renaissance man is someone who has developed expertise in learning and skills in many areas but stays modest. Leonardo Da Vinci was thought of as a typical "Renaissance Man" because he was interested in many areas of art and learning.

How did art change between Medieval Art and Renaissance Art?

During the Middle Ages, the religion of Christianity dominated Europe, and theology (the study of God) was considered the most important type of learning. But during the Renaissance, religion remained important but thinkers and artists also explored topics that focussed on humanity.

Renaissance

Rebirth; Revival of art and learning. Art, writing, architecture, government, science, religion, and learning were all affected.

Renaissance Man

A term used to describe a person who developed learning and skills in many areas. The ideal person during the Renaissance.

Humanism

An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievement. Many Renaissance artists reflected humanist ideas; were important to society.

City-State

A city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state. During the Renaissance, Italy was a collection of city-states. They had lots of beef.

Patrons

A person who provides financial support for the arts. The Medici family, especially Lorenzo Medici.

Merchant

A buyer and seller of goods for profit. Wealthy and powerful merchants promoted cultural rebirth in Europe exerted both political and economic leadership, and their attitudes and interests helped to shape Renaissance Italy. Also, powerful merchant families, such as the Medici family of Florence, provided political and economic leadership and supported the arts.

Secular

Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters. Renaissance humanists hoped to use the wisdom of the ancients to increase their understanding of their own times, so they focused on worldly (secular) subjects rather than on religious issues.

Leonardo da Vinci

Lived from 1452-1519 in Italy. Famous for The Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and detailed notebooks of drawings and inventions. Was thought of as a typical "Renaissance Man" because he was interested in many areas of art and learning. His art represented humanist concerns. Used new techniques, such as

Jan Van Eyck

Lived from 1390-1441 in the Netherlands. Famous for Arnolfini Portrait and Ghent Altarpiece. Created northern-style art that focused on intense detail. Introduced much realism to late medieval art.

Michaelangelo

Lived from 1475-1564 in Italy. Famous for Sistine Chapel ceiling, The David, and The Pieta. Created some of the most well-known works of art in European history.

Medici Family

Rulers of a city-state in Florence, Italy. Made their money from banking (Medici Bank). Were called the Godfathers of the Renaissance because they laid the groundwork for cultural prosperity in Florence. Famous for their patronage of the arts. Would pay artists commissions.

Machiavelli

Lived from 1469-1527 in Italy (Florence). A diplomat Famous for writing The Prince (which was dedicated to the Medici Family) in 1513 after he was forced into exile. It gave rulers advice on how to stay in power. Urged rulers to use whatever methods were necessary to achieve their goals. His work provided a realistic view of how to rule during the Renaissance in Italy. Worked with the Medici Family. Wrote that it was better to be feared than loved.