European RenaissanceCHAPTER 17.1 AND 17.2

Where have we been?

In the last unit we talked about The European Middle Ages (500-1200) Charlemagne and the Germanic Kingdoms European Feudalism How the Catholic church has power and influence

over governments How Western Europe developed The impact of the Plague

Where are we going?

The Renaissance: Period of explosive development in the arts, literature, and thought from 1300 to 1600 in Europe

The Reformation: Religious reform movement in Europe during the 1500’s that ultimately led to the birth of Protestant faiths ( Baptist, Methodist, etc.)

Why Here, Why Now?Reasons for the Renaissance

Crusaders returned to Europe with a newfound understanding of the world

Invention of the printing press encouraged literacy and aided the spread of new ideas

Capitol (extra cash) was now becoming increasingly available and allowed people to become, patrons: supporters of the arts

The development of bookkeeping and the use of credit allowed merchants to flourish

Italian Renaissance

Began in Northern Italian cities of Florence, Genoa, and Venice

“Rebirth” in which the educated wanted to bring back the cultural greatness of Classical Greece and Rome

Why Italy? Thriving cities Wealthy merchant class Heritage of Greece and Rome

Italian Advantages

City-states: urban settings allowed exchange of ideas

Wealthy merchants, such as the Medici family in Florence, used fortunes to influence politics and promote individual achievement

Nearby Roman ruins supplied inspiration for Italian artists

Humanism

Study of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts led to Humanism: intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements

Humanist Ideas: Classical Greek and Roman traditions Study of Humanities (history, lit, philosophy) Enjoyment of material luxury, secularism

Renaissance Man

Idea that emerged from Renaissance writers (Castiglione’s The Courtier) about what educated people should be: Artistically creative Charming and witty Well-educated in the classics Dance, sing, play music, write poetry Skilled rider, wrestler, swordsman

Renaissance Art

Technique of perspective: shows 3 dimensions on a flat surface

Focused on religious subjects, realistic styles, prominent citizens

Examples: Michelangelo Donatello Leonardo Raphael Anguissola and Gentileschi

Michelangelo's The Last Judgment

The Last Supper

Mona Lisa

The Vitruvian Man

Raphael’s Galatea Raphael’s Sistine Madonna

Anguissola’s Self Portrait

Gentileschi’s Self Portrait

Renaissance Literature

Characteristics: use of native language (vernacular), wrote for self-expression or individuality

Examples: Petrarch: Father of Renaissance Humanism Boccaccio: Decameron Machiavelli: The Prince- Political guidebook

Not concerned with what was morally right but what is politically effective

“Strong as a lion, shrewd as a fox”

Printing Spreads Renaissance

Most significant “invention” of the time was the printing press

Gutenberg creates a much faster, cheaper method of literature reproduction First used on the Bible

Cheap books became more available to the public leading to an overall increase in literacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWka8vYzqHM

Questions for Review

Why was the Renaissance important?

Why did the Renaissance occur?

TOMORROW: THE REFORMATION