Unit 2 Age of Reformation

Renaissance Overview

• Period of renewed interest in art, literature, and classical antiquity

• Originated in Italy in the 14th century

• Influenced by humanism, a focus on human potential and achievements

Key Figures of the Renaissance

• Leonardo da Vinci: Artist and inventor; known for the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper

• Michelangelo: Sculptor and painter; famous for the Statue of David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling

• Erasmus: Dutch Humanist; wrote "In Praise of Folly," criticizing the Church

• Thomas More: Wrote "Utopia," envisioning a perfect society

Central Ideas of Humanism

• Emphasis on education and the study of classical texts

• Focus on individual potential and secularism

• Shift from theocentric (God-centered) to anthropocentric (human-centered) views

Artistic Techniques

• Use of perspective to create depth

• Chiaroscuro: contrast between light and dark

• Sfumato: technique of blending colors and tones

Political Changes

• Rise of the nation-state and decline of feudalism

• Power of monarchs increasing, seen in figures like Francis I of France and Henry VII of England

• Machiavelli’s "The Prince" outlining pragmatic political strategies

Religious Shifts

• Critique of the Catholic Church leading to calls for reform

• The beginnings of the Protestant Reformation sparked by Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses

Economic Developments

• Growth of trade and commerce due to exploration

• The rise of banking systems and merchant classes

Scientific Advances

• Copernicus proposing heliocentric theory

• Advances in anatomy, biology, and physics emerging during the Renaissance

Renaissance Overview

• Period of renewed interest in art, literature, and classical antiquity

• Originated in Italy in the 14th century, influenced by the social and economic changes from the Black Death and the decline of feudalism.

• Influenced by humanism, emphasizing human potential and achievements, and the revival of classical texts.

Key Figures of the Renaissance

• Leonardo da Vinci:

• Artist and inventor, epitomizes the Renaissance ideal of the 'Renaissance Man'.

• Known for the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, renowned for his detailed anatomical studies.

• Michelangelo:

• Sculptor and painter most famous for the Statue of David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling, showcasing his mastery of human form and emotion.

• Erasmus:

• Dutch Humanist whose critiques sought to reform the Church from within.

• Authored "In Praise of Folly" highlighting the flaws in ecclesiastical practices.

• Thomas More:

• Wrote "Utopia," depicting an ideal society based on reason and communal ownership, presenting a critique of contemporary social practices.

Central Ideas of Humanism

• Emphasis on education focused on the humanities: grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.

• Focus on individual potential, stressing personal achievement and civic responsibility.

• Shift from theocentric (God-centered) to anthropocentric (human-centered) views, leading to a more secular outlook.

Artistic Techniques

• Use of perspective to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality, revolutionizing art.

• Chiaroscuro: technique emphasizing the contrast between light and dark to add volume and drama.

• Sfumato: technique of blending colors and tones, particularly in the portrayal of human features.

Political Changes

• Rise of the nation-state leading to centralized power.

• Decline of feudalism and the emergence of powerful monarchs like Francis I of France and Henry VII of England, who consolidated authority.

• Machiavelli’s "The Prince" outlining pragmatic political strategies advocating for cunning and manipulation in politics.

Religious Shifts

• Growing critique of the Catholic Church's authority following humanist ideas, leading to calls for doctrinal reforms.

• Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses igniting the Protestant Reformation by challenging the sale of indulgences and promoting faith.

Economic Developments

• Expansion of trade routes due to exploration, creating wealth among merchants and states.

• Rise of banking systems, exemplified by families like the Medici, fostering capitalism and investment in arts and innovation.

Scientific Advances

• Copernicus proposing the heliocentric model, challenging long-held geocentric views of the universe.

• Advances in anatomy by figures like Vesalius, improvements in the study of biology and physics, challenging traditional philosophies and laying groundwork for the Scientific Revolution.