The Italian Renaissance Pgs World History Textbook.

I. Rise of Italian City States Late 1300s (14 th Century) most of Europe was still rural Cities in Italy began to prosper (Florence, Venice, and Milan) Wealthy merchants formed government Oligarchy: a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution

II. Florence and the Medici 1400s (15 th Century) Florence was known as the center of the Renaissance. Renaissance: “Cultural Rebirth” Florence was based on wealth earned by textile(fabric) merchants and bankers. The Medici Family (bankers) dominated Florence’s economic political and artistic life – Cosimo and Lorenzo the Magnificent financed the cultural life of Italy.

III. The Medieval Mindset God created the world to prepare humans for either salvation or eternal damnation. The individual was of no importance Medieval artists worked for the glory of God instead of individual fame Renaissance scholars deemed the Middle Ages “The Dark Ages”

IV. The Renaissance: Celebration of the Individual Italian merchants were not able to gain social rank Success was built on skill in business Merchants took pride in their work and gained merit as individuals Merchants, artists and writers wanted to be known for their work as individuals Art became a reflection of individual personality and fame Self portraits and autobiographies

V. Humanists Humanists: scholars who studied the ancient texts of Greece and Rome. (Christian Humanists: sought to give humanism Christian content) – Studied to understand human nature and learn practical skills – New liberal arts education – Vernacular languages – Renewing interesting in translating and preserving Greek and Roman manuscripts – Goal to create leaders who were eloquent and persuasive speakers and writers

V. Humanists Cont. Creation of the “universal man” who was well rounded and excelled in many things. Baldassare Castiglione: writer who described the type of society Humanists aimed for in The Courtier. – Men: charming, witty, dancer, writer, singer, musician, physically strong and graceful. – Upper-class women: well educated and charming. Expected to inspire poetry and art but not create it. No expected to seek fame.

VI. A New Secular Spirit Medieval culture emphasized spiritual values and salvation Renaissance culture was about material possessions: fine music, expensive foods, and beautiful works of art.

VII. Turmoil in Italy Lorenzo the Magnificent’s unexpected death left Italy without a leader. Charles VIII (France) invades Italy Ferdinand of Spain contests the French ownership of Naples Habsburg Valois wars involved all Italian city- states.

VIII. Machiavelli and The Prince Machiavelli: political philosopher and founder of modern political science Negative view on human nature (common AP question!) Author of The Prince written to advise Italian rulers on how to reunite Italy Rulers must be strong as a lion and sharp witted as a fox

IX. Patrons of the Arts Artists were commissioned by the Catholic Church and wealthy families to create art. Patrons used art as a display of their wealth and promoting their fame.

X. Characteristics of Renaissance Art Perspective: creating the illusion of depth Chiaroscuro: blending to create the illusion of volume Pyramid Configuration: 3- D and symmetrical Classical forms and Christian subjects: combination of Greek and Roman statues with the subject of Christianity.

XI. Women of the Renaissance Creation of the debate on women’s roles #1 Christine de Pizan: the first feminist – first woman to earn a living as an author who dispelled myths of women (created by men) #2 Castiglione: “perfect court lady” – should be an “ornament” for her upper class husband. #3 Isabella D’Este: The first lady of the Renaissance – Patron of the arts (most socially acceptable role for well-educated Renaissance woman)