Chapter 17 The Renaissance Section 1: Italy—Birthplace of the Renaissance

The Renaissance Means “rebirth.” It is the revival of Art & Learning from classical Greece & Rome. Created new styles of art & literature, new values Why did it start in Italy? Cities: Trade from Crusades meant some Italian cities built faster than anywhere else Florence, Milan, Genoa, and Venice Merchants: Medici family = good example They controlled Florence Greece and Rome: Inspired by the ruins around them Access to Greek and Roman books from Byzantines Medici Family Vast banking empire – Italy & beyond Cosimo was wealthiest European Used lending to control politicians Grandson Lorenzo ruled like a dictator Generous patron of art, libraries, museums

Classical and Worldly Values Medieval View (Middle Ages) Renaissance View The focus was on God and how to get to Heaven Medieval scholars believed: Greek values needed to fit with the Bible, Christian teachings (Greek & Roman values: loyalty to family, community & God; bravery; glory; intelligence; logic & reason; hospitality to others) Worldly Pleasures: Not concerned with this world. Pleasure makes it harder to get into Heaven More secular focus on humans, their potential, accomplishments, ability to change their lives, solve problems Humanists: Greek values are important on their own Studied classical texts & focused on human potential & achievement Humanities: History, literature, philosophy Worldly Pleasures: It is ok for life to be pleasurable. (food, clothing, art, homes)

Writing: Vernacular became popular. Religious and non-religious ideas Medieval View Renaissance View Art: Attempted realistic looking people and scenes. Used perspective. Some non-religious subjects. Writing: Vernacular became popular. Religious and non-religious ideas Art: Religious based. No attempt at realism. Writing: All serious writing was in Latin, and on religious subjects

So, who do we need to know? Sculptor who focused on realism Donatello Michelangelo Sculptor who focused on realism Most famous sculpture is “David” (King of Jews) First large, freestanding nude sculpture since ancient times Sculptor, painter, architect Most famous sculpture is “David” Most famous painting Sistine Chapel ceiling Other works include the “Pieta” Mary holding Jesus after crucifixion

Donatello’s Pieta Donatello’s David

Michelangelo’s David Sistine Chapel

Who else do we need to know? Leonardo da Vinci Painter, inventor, sculptor, genius Most famous paintings: “Mona Lisa,” “Vitruvian Man,” “Last Supper” Invented: Helicopters, tanks, machine guns Best example of a Renaissance Man Leonardo da Vinci Raphael Painter and architect Most famous paintings: “School of Athens”

Works of da vinci

School of Athens-Raphael Painted for Pope. Shows value of ancient Greek scholars. Plato and Aristotle are under the arch. To their right, Socrates argues with several young men. Ptolemy holds the globe.

Renaissance roles Master all areas of study – humanities Renaissance Man Renaissance Woman Master all areas of study – humanities Create art of some form Excel in many fields – including battle Be charming, witty, dance, sing, play music, write poems Be bold, but reserved when needed Know the classics Be educated Inspire art, but don’t create it Patrons of art (the wealthy) Be charming Don’t seek fame Stay out of politics

Anyone else? Petrarch Boccaccio Machiavelli Poet “Father of Humanism” Writer Wrote “The Decameron.” A collection of stories in Italian, about the plague Machiavelli Writer, political advisor Wrote “The Prince” An instruction manual as to how a ruler should lead. “rule like a lion and a fox” “better to be feared than loved” Lie to the people if it’s for the good the state Petrarch Machiavelli