1. Renaissance
The Birth of Venus, 1486, Botticelli

2. Renaissance in Italy
Renaissance means “rebirth” from the disorder & disunity of the medieval world
Began in Italy & lasted approx. from to 1650
Interest in Greek/Roman culture
Why Italy?
Center of the Roman Empire
Center of European/Asian trade
Wealthy, powerful merchant class promoted cultural rebirth -the Medici & Borgia families

3. Changes in how people viewed themselves:
New worldview – Focus on human experience/achievement instead of life after death
Spirit of Adventure – Curiosity to explore new worlds; Christopher Columbus and Nicholas Copernicus
Humanism – Study of worldly subjects and the classics instead of only religious issues; (grammar, rhetoric, poetry & history) most famous – Francesco Petrarch

4. The Arts New Expressions New Styles Architecture
Artwork portrayed religious figures but backdrops were Greek & Roman
Artwork depicted well-known figures of the time - reflected individual achievement
New Styles
Perspective, shading, study of anatomy and live models
Architecture
Abandoned Gothic style – too cluttered
New styles used columns, arches & domes (like the Roman built Pantheon)

5. Renaissance Artists Raphael Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo
St. Peter’s Cathedral (unfinished)
Architect & painter
Leonardo da Vinci
Mona Lisa, The Last Supper
Studied botany, anatomy, optics, music architecture & engineering
Michelangelo
Sistine Chapel, Statue of David, St. Peters Basilica
Sculptor, engineer, painter, architect & poet

6. Leonardo da Vinci

7. Michelangelo

8. Raphael

9. Italian Renaissance Writers
Baldassare Castiglione – The Book of the Courtier
“How to” handbook for aspiring & ambitious men & women on skills, manners & virtues a member of the Court should have
Men – athletic, musical, knows literature & history
Women – graceful, kind, lively yet reserved
Niccolo Machiavelli – The Prince
“How to” book on leadership
The end justifies the means
Do whatever necessary to achieve goals