Renaissance Key Concepts: Art, Politics, and Humanism

What does the term 'Renaissance' mean?

It means 'rebirth' in French.

What time period does the Italian Renaissance cover?

1300-1600.

What significant shift did the Renaissance mark?

A shift from medieval to modern thinking.

What were some areas of modern concepts that emerged during the Renaissance?

Art, architecture, philosophy, politics, and Christianity.

Why was Italy significant during the Renaissance?

Wealthy city-states funded the arts, trade routes brought new ideas, ancient Roman ruins inspired creativity, and political competition drove innovation.

Who were the powerful patrons that encouraged art to flourish in the Renaissance?

Banking families like the Medici.

What is linear perspective in art?

A technique that creates the illusion of depth on flat surfaces using vanishing points and horizon lines.

What themes are encapsulated in the acronym H.I.S. during the Renaissance?

Humanism, Individualism, and Secularism.

What did humanists focus on during the Renaissance?

Studying ancient Greek and Roman texts and believing in human potential through education and reason.

How did individualism manifest in Renaissance society?

It celebrated personal talents and accomplishments, leading artists to sign their works and seek fame.

What does the term 'Renaissance man' refer to?

An individual who excels in multiple fields.

How did secularism change the focus of Renaissance art?

Artists began to paint everyday life and non-religious subjects, expanding artistic possibilities.

Who wrote 'The Book of the Courtier' and what was its significance?

Baldassare Castiglione wrote it, describing the ideal behavior of a Renaissance gentleman.

What is 'sprezzatura' according to Castiglione?

The art of making difficult tasks appear effortless and natural.

Who is considered the ultimate Renaissance man?

Leonardo da Vinci.

What were some of Leonardo da Vinci's famous works?

Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Vitruvian Man.

What did Michelangelo believe was the highest form of art?

Sculpture.

What are some of Michelangelo's masterpieces?

David, Pietà, and the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

What is Raphael known for in the Renaissance?

His perfectly balanced and harmonious compositions, including The School of Athens.

What was Donatello's contribution to Renaissance sculpture?

He created the first free-standing nude sculpture since ancient times, notably his bronze David.

What architectural challenge did Filippo Brunelleschi solve?

He built the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.

What revolutionary ideas did Niccolò Machiavelli present in 'The Prince'?

He argued that effective rulers may need to use deception and force to maintain power.

What does Machiavelli's famous quote 'It is better to be feared than loved' imply?

It suggests that being feared is safer for a ruler than being loved, as people can be ungrateful and fickle.

What does Machiavelli mean by a ruler being both 'fox and lion'?

A ruler must be cunning like a fox to recognize traps and strong like a lion to frighten enemies.