Key City-States and Figures of the Renaissance

City-states

Independent territories with their own governments in Italy.

Florence

Birthplace of the Renaissance, known for art and culture.

Genoa

A trade-focused port city-state with a strong navy.

Venice

City-state famous for canals and unique island architecture.

Milan

Wealthy city-state known for fashion and military power.

Rome

Historic capital of the Roman Empire and Catholic Church.

Filippo Brunelleschi

Architect who designed Florence's cathedral dome.

Medici family

Powerful banking family that ruled Florence and supported arts.

Patron

Individual who financially supports artists and their works.

Lorenzo de Medici

Famous Medici ruler, known for arts patronage and poetry.

Commission

Hiring an artist to create a specific artwork.

Giotto

Painter who revived naturalism in art through observation.

Johannes Gutenberg

Inventor of the printing press, enhancing book accessibility.

Naturalism

Art style depicting subjects as they appear in reality.

Anatomy

Study of the human body for realistic art representation.

Leonardo da Vinci

Renaissance polymath known for art, science, and invention.

Michelangelo

Renowned sculptor, painter, and architect of the Renaissance.

Jan van Eyck

Flemish painter who mastered oil painting techniques.

El Greco

Painter recognized for his expressive and unique style.

Humanism

Philosophy emphasizing human potential and achievements.

Petrarch

Poet regarded as the father of humanism.

Erasmus

Humanist scholar advocating for Church reform through criticism.

Satire

Writing style using humor to critique individuals or ideas.

Raphael

Painter celebrated for his harmonious and beautiful artworks.