WHI: Unit 8 - European Renaissance and Reformation

Renaissance

the period of European history, lasting from about 1300 to 1600, during which renewed interest in classical culture led to far-reaching changes in art, learning, and views of the world

humanism

a Renaissance intellectual movement in which thinkers studied classical texts and focused on human potential and achievements

secular

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters

patrons

a person who supports artists, especially financially

perspective

an artistic technique that creates the appearance of three dimensions on a flat surface

vernacular

the everyday language of people in a region or country

Utopia

an imaginary land described by Thomas More in his book Utopia--hence, an ideal place

indulgence

a pardon releasing a person from punishments due for a sin

Reformation

a 16th-century movement for religious reform, leading to the founding of Christian churches that rejected the pope’s authority

Lutheran

a member of a Protestant church founded on the teachings of Martin Luther

Protestant

a member of a Christian church founded on the principals of the Reformation

Peace of Augsburg

a 1555 agreement declaring that the religion of each German state would be decided by its ruler

annul

to cancel or set aside

Anglican

relating to the Church of England

predestination

the doctrine that God has decided all things beforehand, including which people will be eternally saved

Calvinism

a body of religious teachings based off the ideas of the reformer John Calvin

theocracy

a government controlled by religious leaders

Presbyterian

a member of a Protestant church governed by presbyters (elders) and founded on the teachings of John Knox

Anabapstist

in the Reformation, a member of a Protestant group that believed in baptizing only those persons who were old enough to decide to be Christian and believed in the separation of church and state

Catholic Reformation

a 16th-century movement in which the Roman Catholic Church sought to make changes in response to the Protestant Reformation

Jesuits

members of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola

Council of Trent

a meeting of Roman Catholic leaders, called by Pope Paul III to rule on doctrines criticized by the Protestant reformers

William Shakespeare

an English playwright and poet whose works reflected Renaissance themes of humanism, individualism, and the complexities of human nature, influencing literature and theater during and after the Renaissance

Johann Gutenberg

the inventor of the printing press, which played a crucial role in disseminating Renaissance ideas, including humanist texts and religious reformist works like Martin Luther's writings during the Reformation

Florence

a city in Italy and a leading center of the Renaissance, known for its wealth, patronage of the arts, and contributions to humanist thought, literature, and artistic innovation

Greece and Rome

ancient civilizations whose classical heritage and ideals of art, literature, philosophy, and governance were rediscovered and celebrated during the Renaissance, influencing Renaissance art, architecture, and intellectual pursuits

merchant

individuals who played a vital role in the economic prosperity of Renaissance cities like Florence, contributing to the patronage of artists and intellectuals and fostering cultural exchange and innovation

individualism

a Renaissance ideal that emphasized the unique potential, creativity, and achievements of individuals, shaping art, literature, philosophy, and political thought during the period

classical

refers to the revival of ancient Greek and Roman art, literature, and ideas during the Renaissance, influencing artistic styles, architectural designs, and intellectual pursuits of the time

Renaissance Man

a term used to describe individuals like Leonardo da Vinci who excelled in multiple fields such as art, science, engineering, and philosophy, embodying the Renaissance ideals of human potential and broad knowledge

realism

an artistic style that emerged during the Renaissance, characterized by accurate depiction of human anatomy, emotions, and naturalistic settings, contributing to the development of Renaissance art

Medici family

influential patrons of the arts and prominent figures in Florence, whose support for artists, scholars, and architects contributed significantly to the cultural and artistic achievements of the Renaissance

Leonardo Machiavelli

an Italian philosopher, diplomat, and writer whose works such as "The Prince" reflected Renaissance political thought and realism, influencing ideas about leadership and governance

Flanders

a region in present-day Belgium known for its thriving artistic and commercial centers during the Northern Renaissance, contributing to the development of realistic art and techniques like oil painting

Christian Humanism

a Renaissance movement that combined humanist ideals with Christian values, promoting education, moral reform, and critical analysis of religious texts, influencing religious thought during the Reformation

printing press

invented by Johann Gutenberg, it revolutionized communication and knowledge dissemination during the Renaissance and Reformation, facilitating the spread of ideas, literature, and religious reformist works

Martin Luther

a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, whose writings and actions challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, leading to religious reforms and the emergence of Protestantism across Europe

cartoons

preliminary sketches or drawings used as templates for paintings or tapestries during the Renaissance, aiding artists in planning compositions and details for their artworks

sculpture in the round

three-dimensional sculptures that can be viewed from all angles, showcasing the artistic skill and mastery of sculptors during the Renaissance

chiaroscuro

an artistic technique involving the use of light and shadow to create depth, volume, and dramatic contrasts, commonly used in Renaissance paintings to achieve realistic effects

fresco

a painting technique where pigments are applied directly onto wet plaster, used extensively in Renaissance murals and wall paintings for its durability and vibrant colors

foreshortening

an artistic technique used to create the illusion of depth and perspective by depicting objects or figures as if they are receding into the distance, commonly used in Renaissance paintings and drawings

pieta

a type of sculpture or painting depicting the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of Jesus, a popular theme in Renaissance art reflecting religious devotion and emotional depth

relief

a sculptural technique where figures or designs are carved or molded into a flat surface, commonly used in Renaissance architecture, decorative arts, and sculpture

sfumato

an artistic technique involving the blending of colors or tones to create soft transitions and a sense of atmospheric perspective, famously used by Leonardo da Vinci in works like the "Mona Lisa."