what’s a renaissance man?
DESCRIPTION
Idea developed in 15 th -cent. Italy One of first representatives was Leon Battista Alberti (1404-72), who said that “a man can do all things if he will” Alberti was architect, poet, painter, scientist, inventor, skilled horseman, etc. What’s a Renaissance man?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
What’s a Renaissance man?
Idea developed in 15th-cent. Italy
One of first representatives was Leon Battista Alberti (1404-72), who said that
“a man can do all things if he will”
Alberti was architect, poet, painter, scientist, inventor, skilled horseman, etc.
Inspiration & example
basic ideas of Humanism; that men should embrace as much knowledge as possible
gifted figures of Renaissance like Leonardo da Vinci sought to develop skills in all areas of knowledge, such as history, art, physics, mathematics, sports, etc.
Precursor
polymath of classical age, who was skilled in many areas
e.g., Aristotle’s student Archimedes, who mastered several subjects like mathematics, physics, engineering, and philosophy
Differences
Renaissance man, like polymath, skilled in several areas and possesses strong knowledge in those areas
genius possesses highly specialized knowledge usually in one area of study
generalist has limited knowledge in many areas
dilettante is amateur who dabbles in many areas of knowledge
Suspicions
some debate as to whether or not many Renaissance men only dilettantes
such questioning product of 19th cent., when age of modern specialization and “professionalism” began