Beginnings of the Renaissance

Renaissance Renaissance: French word meaning “rebirth.” Began in Italy Developed new attitudes about themselves and the world

Factors that attributed to such changes: The plague led to a higher quality of life for peasants after the disease had subsided. Reduced population led to workers having more bargaining power Increase in security Less warfare and more security allowed for Europeans to focus on cultural aspects such as art, education, and technological innovations

Italian Renaissance The Renaissance began in northern Italy, specifically in the cities of Genoa, Venice, and Florence 3 reasons why Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance: Northern Italy was a center for international trade Had an urban culture that fostered the exchange of ideas Wider variety of jobs and more social mobility

Florence One of the first cities to embrace the Renaissance Cosimo Medici: first in the Medici family to preside over Florence Helped to foster the spirit of humanism in Florence Architecture and Arts came alive in Florence; other Italian city-states followed

Ways in which society changed: People began to reflect and imitate the classical works of the Greeks and Romans (expressed humanism) Secularism: Society becomes worldly rather than spiritual Individualism: free standing figures Church leaders and rulers spent huge sums to beautify city -Emphasis on the arts and architecture

Humanism: studied the idea of Greek and Roman ideas and the worth of an individual Those who studied these ideas were called humanists Didn’t try to get classical texts to align with Christian teaching Wanted to understand Greek values

Humanist views included: Seeking fulfillment in daily life Medieval belief was that people should expect little comfort from life on Earth. Each individual has dignity/worth “Ideal” person is one who participates in a variety of activities (politics, sports, art, literature, music, ect.) Differed from Medieval belief of the ideal person working the fields and following the word of God.

Changes in Art Renaissance artists used new techniques, leading to greater realism in their paintings Realism: an visual that promotes accurate and detailed depiction in art

Renaissance artists often portrayed religious themes, however, it was in Greek and Roman styles. Creation of the Heavens - Michelangelo

More Changes in Art Artists also used new oil paints that reflected light, and used shading techniques to make objects look more real Painters studied human anatomy and drew from observing models, resulting in more accuracy. Including dead bodies

Differences in Art Middle Ages Renaissance Reconstruction of Jerusalem Raphael – Tempi Madonna

Three-Dimensional Art Perspective: technique that allows an artist to show depth and three-dimensional qualities by making distant objects smaller. technique used to create realism. Vanishing Point

Leonardo Da Vinci used PERSPECTIVE The Last Supper

Influential Artists of the Day Donatello di Niccolò di Betto Bardi Leonardo da Vinci Michelangelo Buonarrtoi Raphael Sanzio

Donatello Worked in Florence Created first David Statue Created a life-size soldier on horseback called Gattamelata the first sculpture of this size since ancient times. Worked in Florence Created first David Statue First free form bronze statue since Roman times Gattamelata

Michelangelo Michelangelo Buonarroti was a sculptor, engineer, painter, architect, and poet. He is best known for sculptures such as David and for painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He also designed the dome for St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Famous works of Michelangelo St. Peter’s Basilica David

What a difference a century makes!

Sistine Chapel

Raphael He blended Christian and classical styles Famous for his paintings of the Madonna and The School of Athens

The School of Athens

The School of Athens – Raphael, 1510 -11 One point perspective. All of the important Greek philosophers and thinkers are included  all of the great personalities of the Seven Liberal Arts! A great variety of poses. Located in the papal apartments library. Raphael worked on this commission simultaneously as Michelangelo was doing the Sistine Chapel. No Christian themes here.

The School of Athens – Raphael, 1510 -11 Da Vinci Raphael Michelangelo

The School of Athens – Raphael, details Plato: looks to the heavens [or the IDEAL realm]. Aristotle: looks to this earth [the here and now].

Ptolemy Euclid

Leonardo Da Vinci “The man who wanted to know everything” 1452-1519 Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist and inventor. He studied botany, optics, anatomy, architecture, and engineering. Famous works include Mona Lisa and Last Supper

Mona Lisa

A Da Vinci “Code”: St. John or Mary Magdalene?