The RenaissanceC13S1
What was the Renaissance?
A New Worldview Evolves• Renaissance scholars reject
Medieval scholars for Rome/Greece• Produced new attitudes based
on human experience• Emphasized human experience
Spirit of Adventure• Navigators, artists, scientists,
explored and experimented new realms• Expressing Humanism: • Studied classical culture, focused
on worldly subjects rather than religious issues, believed in education and creative powers.
Italy: Cradle of Renaissance
Italy’s History and Geography• Prime location, trade, banking,
historical
Italy’s Vibrant City-States• Independent powerful families
ran various city-states• Medici family of Florence –
patrons of art and politically powerful
Renaissance Art Flowers
Reflecting Humanist Thought• Fused religious theme against classical
backdrop• Using New Artistic Techniques:
became more realistic.• Painted religious figures with human
qualities and emotion• Perspective: depth and space created
an illusion• Shading, and new oil points• Attention to human body for accuracy
Architecture: A social Art.• REN architects rejected MED
Gothic style.• Adopted columns, arches, and
domes of classical style.
Renaissance Art Flowers continue
Leonardo da Vinci• Realistic artist, inventor• Mona Lisa, Last Supper• Michelangelo:• Artist• David, Pieta, ceiling of the
Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome
Raphael• Artist• Portrayals of Madonna, School
of Athens
Writing for a New Society
Catiglione’s Ideal Courtier• Most widely read book “The
Book of the Courtier” (about manners)• Advice on how a respectful
person conducts themselves.
Machiavelli's Successful Prince• Guide to ruling effectively. Reject
high ideals and embrace effective governing.• Ethically questions the nature of
government and the use of power
Printing Press Revolution (p232)
• Germany/1455: Johan Gutenberg printed the Bible• Cheaper, faster, and more accurate. Encouraged reading and
knowledge• Shakespeare Writes for All-Time• English poet and playwright. • Genius in expressing universal and timeless themes.• Explores Renaissance ideals, individualism, realism, and classics• Plays written in the vernacular of the people
Checkpoint Questions
• 1) What were the main characteristics of the Renaissance?• A new worldview based on human experience, an emphasis on
education and humanism, and a spirit of adventure and curiosity.• 2) Why was the Italy a favorable setting for the Renaissance?• Once the center of classical world. Crossroads of trade, access to
Muslim civilization, and connections to trade brought wealth that spurred the Renaissance and spread new ideas. The competition among city-states encouraged new ways of thinking.
Assessment
• 3. What were the ideals of the Renaissance, and how did Italian artists and writers reflect these ideals?• Artists, architects, and writers used realistic techniques. Their work
reflected the Renaissance ideals of humanism, an appreciation of the classics, human form, realism, and curiosity.
Assessment
• 4. How was the Renaissance worldview different from that of the Middle Ages?• Medieval worldview was shaped by religion, it accepted tradition and
the idea that only God was perfect. In contrast, the Renaissance worldview was shaped by inquiry, exploration, and the idea that humans could perfect themselves.
Assessment
• 5) How did humanism influence Renaissance painting and sculpture?• Artists focused on human beings, their achievements, and their
relationship to God.• 6) Why were nature and human nature important to Renaissance
artists and writers.• They thought that art should reflect the reality of human experience
Assessment C13S2
• 7) What was the impact of the printing press?• It enabled books to be produced more cheaply, raised literacy rates,
and spread new ideas quickly.• 8) What Renaissance ideas did Shakespeare’s work address?• An emphasis on the Renaissance ideals of individual; realism; and the
importance of the classics