Renaissance Key Terms

Founder of the Vatican Library who made the Vatican palace the official residence of the Pope Pope NIcholas V Municipal areas with political sovereignty and independence from other nations city state Led to a looser structure of society in Renaissance Italy where there was greater freedom from the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church (example: Milan) city state High Renaissance artist and architect responsible for ‘School of Athens’ Raphael French Renaissance writer often credited with producing some of the first feminists pieces of literature Christine de Pizan Championed the accomplishments of women throughout history and criticized society for its treatment of women Christine de Pizan The ultimate example of a “Renaissance Man,” he was a master of many disciplines and skills Leonardo da Vinci His talents eventually led to his summoning to Rome by Pope Julius II where he became the artist in residence, designing tapestries, painting portraits and eventually taking over the architectural projects of the Church Raphael Considered the father of Renaissance Humanism Petrarch Author of the Divine Comedy which explored social issues through a religious lens Dante High Renaissance artist responsible for famous works such as ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘Mona Lisa’ Leonardo da Vinci Majorly influential writer in the Italian Renaissance as his works were often published in the Italian vernacular rather than Latin Dante He believed that God gave humans their intellect and wanted them to use their abilities Petrarch Described how to gain and keep political power Machiavelli’s the Prince Demonstrative of Renaissance humanism, this book had major impact on the Northern European Renaissance More’s Utopia Encouraged leaders to abandon morality and instead act in self-interest Machiavelli’s the Prince Satirical work that applies classical ideas to contemporary issues in describing the ideal society More’s Utopia Included a depiction of sincere Christian belief with the potential to give mankind the ability to rise above the cares of the secular world Erasmus’ Praise of Folly Work that criticized human nature and institutions such as the Christian church Erasmus’ Praise of Folly An emphasis on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, art and literature classicism Explains the impact of Italy’s close proximity to ancient ruins in inspiring the Renaissance classicism Encouraged the study of history, rhetoric, poetry and philosophy humanism The belief in the potential of mankind and a focus on social issues humanism Led to Renaissance artists signing their works in order to gain recognition and credit individualism Encouraged the development of one’s personal taste and preferences individualism Having to do with worldly issues and focus, rather than religious secularism Refers to the everyday common language spoken by a group of people vernacular Increased during the Renaissance as people felt less close with God and less trustful in the Church secularism Was used by many Renaissance writers to ensure that more people would have access to their ideas and creations vernacular Opponent of the Reformation who excommunicated Martin Luther in 1521 Pope Leo X Religious leader who turned Rome into a great center or culture and art, but nearly drove the Church to poverty Pope Leo X Leader credited with bringing humanism to Rome - making it the center of Renaissance culture Pope Nicholas V Describes many wealthy families, merchants, and even the Church during the Renaissance as they commissioned works of art Patron Employs the use of Orthogonal Lines converging at a horizon line in order to create a sense of depth Linear Perspective Considered the peak of the Renaissance beginning around 1490 High Renaissance Developed by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1400s, it allowed for the much quicker production of books and pamphlets at a much lower price Printing Press A financial backer of an organization, cause, or activity Patron More realistic technique used by Renaissance artists in which the size of objects indicated their distance from the viewer rather than their importance Linear Perspective Exemplified by iconic Renaissance works of art such as the Last Supper and The David - having a very developed styles both realistic and detailed High Renaissance Very wealthy family and major patron of the arts in Renaissance Italy Medicis Began a powerful banking dynasty in Florence Medicis Crucial invention in the spread of Renaissance ideas across society and modern Europe Printing Press