AP Euro SAQs - Renaissance

Early art vs Renaissance Art differences

Medieval art typically focused on conveying religious messages, whereas Renaissance art increasingly reflected realism and the natural world. For instance, medieval art often used symbols and unrealistic figures to depict religious figures, but Renaissance art used techniques such as perspective to create more realistic artwork, as can be seen in Raphael’s School of Athens.

How Renaissance art shows changing values in religion between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

Renaissance art depicted changing values in religion through the emergence of secular themed art. Although some art (such as Michelangelo’s paintings in the Sistine Chapel) were commissioned by the Church, most works depicted decreasingly religious messages. For instance, Leonardo de Vinci’s Mona Lisa depicts a portrait of a human rather than a religious figure, depicting an increasingly secular culture. Even though the Church still had power, Renaissance art showcased its decreased influence due to events such as the Black Death.

How Renaissance art depicts humanism

Renaissance art depicted humanism by emphasizing the importance of human potential. For instance, Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam depicts a human individual as being “one with God”. This reflects the Renaissance ideology that human potential is at its greatest on Earth.

Why did the Renaissance start in Italy?

The Renaissance began in Italy because Italian city-states, such as Florence and Venice, grew wealthy due to Mediterranean trade. This led to the emergence of a wealthy merchant class, whose wealth allowed families like the Medicis to patronize art and knowledge, supporting the development of Renaissance art and learning.

Positive effect that the Renaissance had on Italy

A positive effect that the Renaissance had on Italy was that Italian cities (such as Florence) prospered, becoming major centers for art and learning. This contributed to their wealth, ultimately increasing Italy’s influence on Europe.

Negative effect that the Renaissance had on Italy

A negative effect that the Renaissance had on Italy was that the increasing economic prosperity of Italian cities contributed to economic inequality. As wealthy families gained wealth and influence, poorer families did not, contributing to a wide wealth gap between wealthy elites and lower classes.