Northern Renaissance/Reformation 

Study Guide for Test 

Dates/background

1. Range of Renaissance Period

• 1400-1600

2. Reformation, Martin Luther’s 95 thesis (complaints)

Protestant - follower of any of the Western Christian churches that are separate from the Roman Catholic Church and follow the principles of the Reformation

The Protestant Reformation: Over time, people became increasingly unhappy with Church leadership, feeling that popes focused more on power and wealth than on the spiritual well-being of Church members.

German Monk named Martin Luther began the Reformation in 1517 by nailing his complaints to the Church on the doors of Augsburg Cathedral in Germany> this created a split in the Christian faith that would last for centuries:

Protestants-Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands

Catholic-Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Poland

The Bible should be the sole foundation of Christianity – Luther argued that only the Bible, not Church traditions or the Pope, should guide Christian belief and practice.

Luther called the Pope the Antichrist – He rejected the Pope's authority, claiming the Pope was a false leader and opposed to true Christian teachings.

Luther rejected most Catholic sacraments – He disagreed with many of the sacraments practiced by the Catholic Church but accepted two: baptism and communion.

Salvation is a gift from God, not earned – Luther taught that people don't earn salvation through works, but receive it through God's grace.

Justification by faith alone – The central belief of Protestantism, according to Luther, is that people are made right with God through faith alone, not by their actions.

Guided by scripture – Luther emphasized that the Bible is the ultimate source of authority for Christians, guiding them in all matters of faith.

Posted on October 31, 1517 – Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg.

Main complaint: Against the sale of indulgences (payments to reduce punishment for sins).

Criticism of Church practices – Luther believed the Church was corrupt and misleading people.

Called for reform – He wanted the Church to return to true Christian teachings.

Questions the Pope’s authority – Luther argued that the Pope did not have the power to forgive sins or grant indulgences.

Emphasized salvation by faith – He believed salvation comes from faith, not buying indulgences or performing rituals.

Began the Protestant Reformation – His actions sparked a movement that led to the creation of Protestant churches.

3. Inventor of the printing press

Johannes Gutenberg was a German inventor, printer, and publisher who is best known for introducing the technology of movable type printing to Europe. His invention revolutionized the production of books, making them more affordable and accessible, and played a key role in the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance.

The Gutenberg Bible is his most famous work and is considered the first major book printed using movable type. It was produced in Mainz, Germany, around 1454-1455.

Key facts about the Gutenberg Bible:

• Printed with ink on paper using movable type technology.

• The Bible contains 42 lines per page in a large format, about 43-62 cm in height.

• It marked the beginning of the mass production of books, contributing to the spread of literacy and ideas in Europe.

• The Gutenberg Bible is known for its high quality, with beautiful Gothic script and decorative elements.

This innovation was a major milestone in history and helped pave the way for the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution.

4. Northern Renaissance materials & techniques

Altarpiece Annunciation Donor Engraving Etching (acid is used) Oil paint Polyptych Triptych woodcut

• Flanders (Belgium), Holland, Germany, and France

• There is an interest in returning to classical ideals in the fifteenth century, with a greater emphasis on formal education and artistic training.

• There is a greater exploration of the formal elements of painting, like perspective, composition, and color.

• Artistic training is enhanced by the birth of academies

• The display of artwork often meant a glorification of the patron. 

The Reformation and Counter-Reformation caused a rift in Christian art of Western Europe:

In Northern Europe there was an emphasis on non-religious subjects, like portraits, genre paintings, and still lifes.

In Southern Europe there was an emphasis on religious subjects with much more active and dynamic compositions.  

An important development in the fifteenth century was the widespread use of oil paints. 

Prior to this, wall paintings were done in fresco and panel paintings in tempera.  

Why oil paints?

Oil paint produces exceptionally rich colors!

It can generate enamel-like surfaces and sharp details.

It preserves well in wet climates, retaining its luster for a long time.

Slow drying (unlike tempera and fresco)-Allows artists to make changes onto what they previously painted!  

Vanishing Point:  In linear perspective, a position on a horizon where lines or rays appear to converge (come together)

Orthoganals: A straight line imagined to be behind and perpendicular to the picture plane

Grisaille - A painting done in neutral shades of gray to stimulate the look of the sculpture.

5. Location of Northern Renaissance artists 

Late Gothic Art in Italy

1. Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel, Giotto di Bondone, Lamentation 

Northern Renaissance

1. Robert Campin’s Annunciation Triptych

2. Jan van Eycke, The Arnolfini Portrait

3. Albrecht Dürer, Adam and Eve

4. Lucas Cranach the Elder, Allegory of Law and Grace

5. Matthias Grünewald, Isenheim Altarpiece

6. Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Hunters in the Snow

Vocab ig

Altarpiece Annunciation Donor Engraving Etching (acid is used) Oil paint Polyptych Triptych woodcut