history

The Renaissance

A period of creativity and change in Europe, marking the rebirth of classical ideas.

Why Italy as the birthplace of the Renaissance?

Nostalgia for Ancient Rome, availability of ancient Greek and Roman writings, and wealth of Italian merchants.

The Medici Family

A rich banking family from Florence that became cultural patrons and controlled the city-state government.

Patrons

Financial supporters of the arts during the Renaissance.

Humanism

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance focusing on worldly subjects and the potential of human beings.

Individualism

A recognition of the abilities individuals possess and an emphasis on cultivating those abilities.

Renaissance Art

Art characterized by a love for classic literature, realism, and an embrace of the scientific approach.

Filippo Brunelleschi

An architect commissioned by the Medici to create the Il Duomo Cathedral in Florence.

The Bronze Sculpture of David

A famous work by Donatello noted for its 3-dimensional realism and expressions.

Leonardo da Vinci

A Renaissance artist known for his paintings like the Mona Lisa and expertise in various fields.

The Last Supper

A famous mural painted by Leonardo da Vinci portraying Jesus's final meal with his disciples.

Scientific Innovations

New technologies developed during the Renaissance, including hydraulics and flying machines.

Renaissance Man

A person with broad knowledge across many fields and deep expertise in one area.

Michelangelo

A renowned Renaissance artist famous for his sculptures like the Pieta and his painting of the Sistine Chapel.

Raphael

An artist who studied Michelangelo and Da Vinci, known for works like The School of Athens.

Niccolo Machiavelli

An Italian writer known for 'The Prince,' focusing on political power and realpolitik.

Machiavellian Politics

Politics that prioritize appearances and pragmatic power over ideals.

Erasmus

A Dutch humanist who criticized church corruption and advocated for translations of the Bible.

William Shakespeare

The most famous writer of the Renaissance, known for his 37 plays including tragedies and comedies.

Hamlet

A tragedy by Shakespeare exploring themes of revenge, madness, and mortality.

Don Quixote

A novel by Miguel de Cervantes mocking chivalry through the adventures of a foolish knight.

Secular Standpoint

A perspective that emphasizes worldly matters over religious ones.

The Praise of Folly

A satirical work by Erasmus criticizing church practices.

Modern English Language

Language significantly enriched by Shakespeare's addition of thousands of new words.

Sistine Chapel

A chapel in Vatican City, renowned for its Renaissance art, especially Michelangelo's ceiling painting.

St. Peter's Basilica

A significant work of architecture for which Raphael was chosen as architect during the Renaissance.

Classic Literature

Literature from ancient Greece and Rome that greatly influenced Renaissance thinkers and artists.

Decline of Gothic Style

The Renaissance rejection of the cluttered Gothic architectural style in favor of classical design.

Realism in Art

An artistic approach during the Renaissance emphasizing accurate depictions of reality.

Vitruvian Man

A famous drawing by Leonardo da Vinci illustrating the ideal human proportions, blending art and science.