The European Renaissance

I. Beginnings Late Middle Ages – people began to question popular traditions and institutions, including the Church New ideas about art, religion, and philosophy began to take hold Renaissance – means “rebirth”, refers to a revival in art and learning Began in Italy, eventually moved north, lasted from 1300-1600 Why did it begin in Italy? 3 reasons: More urban (more cities) than rest of Europe = more people = more/better exchange of ideas

I. continued… Wealthy merchant class – merchants and businessmen became as or more powerful than nobles Patrons of the arts – supported artists financially, became a way to display wealth and power Example: the Medici family of Florence, Italy Connection to ancient Greece and Rome Renaissance scholars looked to the works and ideas of ancient Greeks and Romans for inspiration

II. New Outlook On Life Scholars started thinking in new ways Humanism – an intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements Based on the study of classical Greek texts Society was becoming more secular – worldly, rather than spiritual and concerned with the here and now The Renaissance Man/Woman Men should be well educated and excel in many different areas of learning, should be a skilled fighter Women were expected to be educated and charming. Inspire art, but not encouraged to create it

III. Changes in Art & Literature Renaissance artists continued to use religion as inspiration, but used realistic styles based on classical Greek and Roman ideas Developed perspective – shows three dimensions on a flat surface New emphasis on the individual Common for wealthy and prominent citizens to have their portrait done by a well-known artist Writers began writing in the vernacular – their native language, instead of Latin

IV. The Renaissance Spreads North Northern Renaissance began in 1400s Began in Flanders (now part of France and Netherlands), quickly spread to England, France, Germany Many Italian artists/scholars left Italy because of war, headed north bringing their ideas with them Wealthy northern merchants and monarchs (kings and queens) became patrons of the arts Many artists and writers worked to reform society based on these new ideas Focus on education of the individual

IV. Continued… Moveable type used to spread ideas quickly 1300s, moveable type reached Europe from China 1440s – Johann Gutenberg creates the first European printing press, can print whole books quickly and cheaply Bible was first book to be printed using these new techniques (1455) Books became cheap enough that almost anyone could buy them not limited to just nobility and church officials

V. Impact of the Renaissance on Society This period of time marked many changes from the ideas of the early Middle Ages in both art and everyday life Some changes in society Printing press made information more widely available Learning and education became more commonplace People began to question/change traditional political and religious structures

5-Minute Response How did the artists and thinkers of the Renaissance help change society as a whole?

Perspective: Renaissance vs. Medieval Art

Spread of Renaissance Ideas