Italian Renaissance Study Guide

Contrapposto

A pose in art where the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a dynamic stance.

Naturalism

A style in art that seeks to depict subjects as they appear in nature.

Humanism

A cultural movement that emphasizes human potential and achievements.

Earthly love to divine love

A concept exploring the transition from physical love to spiritual love.

Divine Comedy

An epic poem by Dante Alighieri, divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.

Inferno-Purgatory-Paradiso

The three realms of the afterlife in Dante's Divine Comedy.

Medieval-Middle Ages-Dark Ages

Historical periods characterized by feudalism, superstition, and limited cultural advancement.

Feudalism

A social system prevalent in the Middle Ages, structured around land ownership and service.

Black Death/Plague

A devastating epidemic that killed a significant portion of Europe's population in the 14th century.

Latin and Italian

Languages used during the Renaissance, Latin for scholarly works and Italian for everyday language.

Republic

A form of government in which power resides with elected individuals representing the citizen body.

Guild

An association of artisans or merchants who control the practice of their craft or trade.

Decameron

A collection of novellas by Giovanni Boccaccio, reflecting on human experiences.

Brick-faced concrete

Concrete that is faced with bricks, used in construction for aesthetic and structural purposes.

Dome

A rounded vault that forms the ceiling of a building.

Coffers

Sunken decorative panels in a ceiling or dome.

Rosettes

Decorative floral patterns often found on ceilings or columns.

Porch

A structure attached to the entryway of a building.

Column

A cylindrical support structure in architecture.

Oculus

A circular opening at the top of a dome.

Niche

A shallow recess in a wall, often for holding a statue.

Pediment

A triangular upper part of a building's facade.

Papal States

Territories in Italy under the sovereign direct rule of the Pope.

Podesta

An Italian magistrate or lord during the Middle Ages.

Tower house

A tall house built as a fortified structure, common in medieval times.

Palazzo

A large and impressive building, often a palace or grand residence in Italy.

Signoria

A governing body in Italian city-states during the Middle Ages.

Loggia

A roofed, open-air gallery or corridor.

Piazza

A public square or marketplace in Italian towns.

Ora et labora

A Latin motto meaning 'pray and work,' associated with monastic life.

St. Benedict

The patron saint of Europe, known for founding the Benedictine monastic order.

St. Francis

An Italian Catholic friar and preacher, known for his love of animals and nature.

Buttress

A support structure built against a wall to strengthen it.

Basilica

A large and important church building, often with a rectangular plan.

Transept

The arm of a cross-shaped church, perpendicular to the nave.

Perspective

A technique in art used to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface.

Vault

An arch compounded to form a roof or ceiling.

Campanile

A bell tower, especially a freestanding one.

Romanesque

An architectural style characterized by semi-circular arches and robust structure.

Gothic

An architectural style featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

Rose window

A circular window with intricate designs, typical of Gothic churches.

Fresco

A technique of mural painting performed on freshly laid wet plaster.

Three orders of architecture

The classical orders of architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Golden ratio/rectangle

A mathematical ratio commonly found in nature and used in art and architecture for aesthetically pleasing proportions.

Aesthetics

The branch of philosophy dealing with the nature and appreciation of beauty.

Gonfalone

A type of banner or standard often used by guilds during the Middle Ages.