High Renaissance in Italy (1450-1527)

These flashcards cover key concepts, artists, and historical figures from the High Renaissance in Italy, along with significant works and ideas.

Humanism

The study of humanity, emphasizing the value of individual agents and intellectual traditions, especially from classical texts.

Civic Humanism

Application of humanism to public affairs and common societal sphere.

Individualism

A belief in the importance of the individual and the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence.

Secularism

A principle of separating religion from civic affairs and the state, not necessarily anti-Christian.

Patronage

Support given by patrons, particularly wealthy individuals like Lorenzo de Medici, to artists and scholars.

Usury

The practice of lending money at high interest rates, which was prohibited by the Church in the Middle Ages.

Petrarch

Considered the Father of Humanism; wrote 'Africa' and 'Canzoniere' in vernacular poetry.

Pico della Mirandola

Wrote 'Oration on the Dignity of Man', often referred to as the 'Manifesto of the Renaissance'.

Machiavelli

Author of 'The Prince', advocating that the ends justify the means in political leadership.

Gutenberg Printing Press

Invented in 1454, revolutionizing information dissemination by enabling easy book production.

Naturalism

An artistic style focusing on the accurate depiction of the natural world.

Geometric Perspective

A technique used in art to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface.

Contrapposto

A pose in sculpture and painting in which one leg bears the weight while the other is relaxed.

Northern Renaissance

A period that had a stronger Christian focus than the Italian Renaissance, pushing for social reforms based on Christian principles.

Thomas More

Wrote 'Utopia', opposed Henry VIII's church reforms, and was executed for his beliefs.

Erasmus

Dutch humanist known for 'The Praise of Folly', questioning religious practices and advocating for reform.

Renaissance Art

Characterized by the use of perspective, naturalism, and classical themes.

Sandro Botticelli

An artist known for works like 'Birth of Venus', integrating secular themes into his art.

Leonardo da Vinci

A polymath of the Renaissance, renowned for masterpieces such as 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper'.

Michelangelo

An influential artist known for sculptures like 'David' and the paintings of the Sistine Chapel.

Rafael

A prominent painter and architect known for the 'School of Athens'.