History final

Unit 2: Renaissance (Art, Humanism, and the Rebirth of Classics)

Renaissance Thinkers:

Petrarch (1304–1374)

Known as the "Father of Humanism."

Revived interest in classical texts from Ancient Rome and Greece.

Emphasized the importance of individual experience and moral philosophy.

His poetry in vernacular (Italian) helped promote the value of the humanities.

Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (1463–1494)

Wrote "Oration on the Dignity of Man," celebrating human potential and free will.

Believed all philosophies shared universal truths.

Embodied the optimistic spirit of Renaissance humanism and intellectual curiosity.

Girolamo Savonarola (1452–1498)

Dominican monk who criticized the corruption and materialism of the Renaissance.

Opposed secularism and called for religious reform in Florence.

Famous for the "Bonfire of the Vanities," burning luxury items and secular art.

Eventually excommunicated and executed, but he influenced later reformers.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)

Embodiment of the "Renaissance Man."

Master of painting, anatomy, engineering, and scientific inquiry.

Works such as "The Last Supper" and "Vitruvian Man" reflect harmony, proportion, and humanist ideals.

Art Terms & Concepts:

Book of Hours (Medieval)

Christian devotional books used for prayer.

Illuminated manuscripts with flat, decorative styles.

Focused on religious themes and hierarchy.

Byzantine Icons (Medieval)

Religious art with gold backgrounds, flat figures, and symbolic imagery.

Aimed to inspire devotion rather than depict reality.

Renaissance Art Themes:

Humanism: Art focused on human experience and emotions.

Humanities: Emphasis on literature, philosophy, and history.

Classics: Rebirth of Greco-Roman style, architecture, and mythology.

Secularism: Rise in non-religious subjects, though religion remained influential.

Activism: Art reflected civic pride and engagement.

Individualism: Emphasis on personal achievement and unique styles.

Realism: Use of perspective, anatomy, and naturalism in representation.

Artworks & Analysis:

Bruegel’s The Triumph of Death

Shows the devastation of plague and war.

Secular and moralistic; uses realism and individual scenes of suffering.

Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam

Focuses on human dignity and divine connection.

Uses classical idealism, naturalism, and dynamic composition.

Michelangelo’s David

Celebrates human strength, beauty, and potential.

Inspired by classical sculpture, but with Renaissance realism and emotion.

Cranach’s Venus and Cupid Carrying the Honeycomb

Mythological and sensual; explores human desire.

Reflects humanist interest in classical myths and psychological themes.

Raphael’s School of Athens