Unit 0 AP Euro ID Terms (detailed)

Renaissance

A "rebirth" of culture and ideas movement that emerged in Italy during the 14th century and spread throughout Europe, characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and learning. Focused on the potential of people, individualism, and a rebirth of classical culture. This period marked a significant shift in thought and creativity, influencing various aspects of society including philosophy, science, and politics, ultimately laying the groundwork for the modern world.

Medici

a powerful and influential family that influenced the Italian banking system that rose to prominence in Florence during the 15th century. They played a crucial role in the cultural and political landscape of the Italian Renaissance, sponsoring artists, architects, and scholars, which significantly contributed to the flourishing of art and humanism during this period.

Dowry

property or money brought by the bride's family that's given to the groom's family on their marriage. This helped establish the unification between the two families and reflected their social standing. It also reinforces social statuses during this time period.

Papal States

They were a series of territories in the Italian Peninsula under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope from the 8th century until 1870. These states played a significant role during the Italian Renaissance, serving as both a political and religious power center, where art, culture, and governance were heavily influenced by the Catholic Church and its leaders.

Ambassador

a key figure in the development of modern diplomacy during the Italian Renaissance. These people often residing in foreign courts, facilitated political and economic affairs, negotiated alliances, and provided intelligence to their home cities.

Niccolo Machiavelli

historical significance lies in his approach to political thought, particularly his emphasis on realism and the pragmatic acquisition and maintenance of power. He is often considered the father of modern political philosophy and political science, having separated political discourse from ethics and religion. known for writing "The Prince".

Hermeticism

Marsitio Ficino's belief that human beings had been created as divine creative power, but ultimately lost that power and must regain it by educating yourself. A result of humans spreading ideas and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things.

Liberal studies/Liberal arts

academic subjects such as literature, philosophy, mathematics, and social and physical sciences as distinct from professional and technical subjects. represents a broad education focused on developing intellectual skills, rather than just believing in the church.

Francesco Guicciardini

a historian in the Italian Renaissance, particularly known for his contributions to history and political thought. He's recognized for his influential historical work, History of Italy, which revolutionized historiography by emphasizing realistic analysis and the use of government sources. His writings helped shape modern historical and political analysis.

Johannes Gutenburg

significance lies in his invention of the printing press in Europe, which pioneered the way information was distributed. This invention led to the mass production of printed materials, making them more accessible and affordable, ultimately contributing to the spread of literacy and knowledge throughout Europe.

Masaccio

By breaking from traditional European art he introduced linear perspective, creating a sense of depth and realism in his paintings, inspiring subsequent artworks during the Renaissance and modern day. Painted : Brancacci Chapel, San Giovenale Trptych, Holy Trinity, and Saint Paul

Donatello

(1386-1466) Sculptor. His statues expressed an appreciation of the incredible variety of human nature, capturing the actual, seen human body. Sculptures by him: Saint John the Evangelist, Saint Mark, Bust of Niccolo da Uzzano, Judith and Holofernes, St John the Baptist, Penitent Magdalene, and The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata

Neoplatonism

a belief focused on two sectors: the Hierarchy of Beings and Platonic Love. It influenced theological concepts, philosophical discourse, and even artistic expression. Its core ideas, such as emanation, the transcendence of the One, and the soul's journey towards unity, resonated with various thinkers and religious traditions.

Civic humanism

humanism with the added belief that one must be an active and contributing member to one's society, influencing a strong idea of morality and ethics.

Petrarch

significance lies in his development of humanism and the revival of classical learning. He's often called the "father of humanism" for promoting a renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman texts and ideas, shifting focus from religious principles to human affairs and potential.

Secularism

An indifference to religion and a belief that religion should be excluded from civic affairs and public education. Helped influence individuality and encouraged the idea to learn for oneself.

Individualism

a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over the papacy. It's a concept that has evolved over centuries, influencing personal identity, political structures, and social norms.

The Prince

A book wrote by Niccolo Machiavelli in the 16th century about the imperfect conduct of humans and says how a ruler is able to keep power and manage to keep it disregarding enemies.

Donatello's David

A statue which is a resemblance of David and the Goliath and is historically significant as the first freestanding nude statue since classical antiquity, marking a key moment in the Renaissance's revival of classical art. It symbolizes humanism and the individual, showcasing the beauty and proportion of the human form.

Filippo Brunelleschi

historically significant as a key figure in the Italian Renaissance for his architectural innovations/ like the Florence Cathedral and pioneering work in perspective. His use of classical elements and emphasis on symmetry and proportion, helped define Renaissance architecture.

High Renaissance

a period in the early 16th century in Italy, represents the pinnacle of artistic and cultural achievement during the Renaissance. It is characterized by the flourishing of art, architecture, and literature, marked by masterpieces from artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. This era saw a shift in focus from the naturalism of the Early Renaissance to an emphasis on ideal beauty, harmony, and grandeur, with Rome becoming the new center of artistic activity.

Leonardo da Vinci

historical significance lies in his multifaceted genius and profound impact on art, science, and engineering. He is renowned for his artistic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper which contained dramatic and expressive network. His notebooks, filled with innovative designs and observations, reveal a mind far ahead of its time, influencing later generations of artists and inventors.

Last Supper

Painted by da Vinci that is historically significant for its innovative depiction of a well-known biblical scene, its impact on Renaissance art, and its enduring cultural influence.

Raphael

historical significance lies in his pivotal role as a master painter and architect during the Italian High Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical art and culture. His work is celebrated for its clarity of form, harmonious compositions, and idealized beauty, influencing generations of artists and shaping the course of Western art. Painted: The school of Athens, Sistine Madonna, Disputation of the Holy Sacrament, Transfiguration, The Triumph of Galatea, La Fornarina, Expulsion of Heliodorus, Stanza della Segnatura, The Marriage of the Virgin, and The Three Graces

School of Athens

A famous fresco painted by Raphael, depicting an idealized gathering of great philosophers, scientists, and thinkers from classical antiquity. It symbolizes the Renaissance's revival of classical learning and the emphasis on humanism, showcasing figures like Plato and Aristotle, who represent different branches of knowledge.

Michelangelo

an Italian sculptor, painter, poet, engineer, and architect; his famous works include the mural on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the sculpture of the Biblical character David, and the Last Judgment

Michelangelo's David

historically significant as a masterpiece of the High Renaissance, embodying the period's humanist ideals and artistic advancements, while also showcasing the Renaissance emphasis on human potential and the dignity of man. Painted by Michelangelo created from 1501-1504

Northern Renaissance

located in France, Germany, and England-marked by advancements in art, the spread of humanism, the rise of Christian humanism, and the Protestant Reformation

Jan van Eyck

historical significance lies in his mastery of oil painting techniques, his pioneering naturalistic style, and his contributions to the development of portraiture and religious art. Painted: Arnolfini Portrait, Ghent Altarpiece, and Madonna of Chancellor Rolin

Albrecht Durer

Famous Northern Renaissance artist, he often used woodcutting along with Italian Renaissance techniques like proportion, perspective and modeling. Painted: Knight, Death and Devil, Saint Jerome in the Wilderness, Four Apostles

The Spanish Inquisition

An organization of priests (funded by Ferdinand and Isabella) in Spain that looked for and punished anyone suspected of secretly practicing their old religion instead of Roman Catholicism. Promoted religious unification in Spain.

Council of Constance

the council in 1414-1418 that succeeded in ending the Great Schism in the Roman Catholic Church

Great Schism

The seperation of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church (1054 CE). Resulted in distrust of the church.

Jan Hus

a significant Czech religious reformer whose life and death played a crucial role in the pre-Reformation era and beyond. He challenged the Catholic Church's authority, criticized corruption within the clergy, and emphasized the Bible as the ultimate source of religious truth.

Nepotism

favoritism shown to family or friends by those in power, especially in business or hiring practices. Families would use nepotism to keep the power of the church within their pedigree.

Contrapposto

an important sculptural development, for its appearance marks the first time in Western art that the human body is used to express a more relaxed psychological disposition. In the picture the character seems to be placing its weight on its hip. Sculpted by Kritios Boy

Virtu

a concept originating in Renaissance that refers to the qualities and abilities that enable an individual to shape their own destiny. Encourages individuality.

Humanism

A Renaissance intellectual movement in which thinkers studied classical texts and focused on human potential and achievements. They believed in revolutionizing education.