HumanismPhilosophy of the

Renaissance 

What is Humanism?

• Is the belief in the worth and  potential of all individuals. 

• It is the balance between religious faith with the belief in the power  of the human mind. 

• It is a combination of caring about the human society and nature. 

• Humanism is about the world we are living in not just the world that comes after. 

Cherubini - Raphael (1514) Angels look like they are thinking about or watching something happen before them. 

Portrait of a Gentle Woman Corregio (1517-1519)

Paintings were of real people not just religious scenes from the bible.

Paintings often include nature in the background or as the main focus.

Nature and portraits were traits of humanist art expression.

Humanism: Before and After

Plays and music were originally used by the church to preach to society.  Morality plays were used to educate the masses about religion because most of the people didn't know how to read.  Morality Plays showed a human overcoming the enticement of sins and leading a godly life and religious scenes from the bible such as the crucifixion. 

Once the Renaissance began, there was a breaking away from the church. Plays and music became a form of entertainment.  Shakespeare used real 'everyday' people in his plays. He portrayed humanity instead of religion. 

Shakespearean plays and sonnets were about common beliefs, values, and human character-istics. Shakespeare was about life not what came after death.

Humanism 

• Humanism is a philosophy that spurred the creativity of the Renaissance. 

• Art reflected real people with portraits or in action.  

• Literature and music reflected real people and were written in the language of the people.

• Science and math expanded as more people were intellectually and economically advancing society.