Ap Euro Unit 1.2

Petrarch

Often called the "Father of Humanism," Francesco Petrarch (1304–1374) was an Italian poet and scholar. He's known for his sonnets and for helping to revive interest in classical Latin and Greek texts. His work and ideas were fundamental to the development of Renaissance humanism.

Humanism

This intellectual and cultural movement of the Renaissance was based on the study of the classics. Humanists focused on human potential and achievements, promoting a new curriculum that included subjects like rhetoric, grammar, history, poetry, and moral philosophy. They believed these studies would help individuals become more virtuous and capable citizens.

Classics

The term Classics refers to the literature, art, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. Renaissance humanists deeply admired and sought to emulate these works, believing they represented a high point in human culture and intellect.

Secularism

Secularism is the belief that life on Earth and human affairs should be a focus, in addition to or instead of, spiritual matters. During the Renaissance, this led to a greater emphasis on worldly pursuits, like wealth, art, and politics, rather than exclusively focusing on the afterlife.

Individualism

Individualism is the belief in the importance and uniqueness of the individual. This Renaissance concept celebrated personal genius, talent, and ambition. It encouraged people to strive for greatness and to leave a lasting legacy, as seen in the biographies of artists and leaders.

Educational developments

The Renaissance saw significant educational developments driven by humanism. The new humanist curriculum shifted away from medieval scholasticism, which focused on theology, to the study of the classics. This new "liberal arts" education was designed to produce well-rounded individuals and effective citizens.

Civic humanism

A form of humanism, civic humanism emphasized that a person's moral and intellectual development should be used for the good of the state. It stressed active participation in public life and service to one's community, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman examples of republican virtue.

Patronage

Patronage was the financial support given by wealthy individuals, families (like the Medici), or institutions (like the Catholic Church) to artists and scholars. This system was crucial for the flourishing of Renaissance art and culture, as it provided artists with the resources to create their masterpieces.

Naturalism

In art, naturalism is the movement to depict subjects realistically, as they appear in the natural world. Renaissance artists sought to render their subjects with anatomical accuracy, detailed landscapes, and realistic emotional expressions, moving away from the more stylized forms of medieval art.

Geometric perspective

A key artistic innovation of the Renaissance, geometric perspective is a technique used to create the illusion of three-dimensional space and depth on a two-dimensional surface. This method uses a single vanishing point to create a sense of realism and proportion.