Italian Renaissance Humanism

In the Renaissance a new philosophy, HUMANISM, emphasized: INDIVIDUALISM CLASSICISM 1. INDIVIDUALISM: glorifying potential, talents and accomplishments of individual human beings. 2. CLASSICISM: Re-discovery and appreciation of ancient Greek & Roman culture (especially in Italy…why is that?) 3. SECULARISM: emphasis on this world (the “here & now”) and its material pleasures rather than the afterlife (“hereafter”) or spiritual world. Renaissance Humanism is the spirit of learning that developed at the end of the middle ages with the revival of classical letters and a renewed confidence in the ability of human beings to determine for themselves truth and falsehood. SECULARISM

Why the change in philosophy? Fatalism reflected realities of medieval Europe Manors were isolated & life was hard Manorial life was traditional, pre-determined & inflexible The medieval outlook of fatalistic Christianity reflected the realities of the Middle Ages. Manors were isolated; no change came from the outside. Life was difficult. Life on the manor was traditional & determined by heredity; no change came from within.

Change is only possible if God willed it God created the world so it was logical to assume whatever you were doing was decided for you With nothing changing, it was easy to believe that change wasn’t possible unless God willed it. Since the Church taught that God had created the world and everything in it, it was logical to assume that God wanted you to do whatever it was you were doing in life.

Since most people were serfs and impoverished…

…it’s not difficult to understand obsession with the afterlife

By the Renaissance (c. 1350-1660) life changed…at least in the towns and cities Wealth increased A new middle class developed Trade increased & new products appeared New skills could be learned New occupations were created Prosperity spread

An individual could now: Leave the manor Learn an occupation different from his parents Improve his status and economic standing Acquire nice things and enjoy some of life’s pleasures

By no means did this mean rejecting Christianity or questioning the basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

But it did mean possibility for individual achievement and pleasure in the secular world on the way to the afterlife. But it did mean that on the way to the afterlife the possibilities for individual achievement and pleasure in the secular world would be explored and enjoyed in ways inconceivable to the denizens of the medieval manor. Basic concern with the present-life instead of the afterlife. Life can be understood through the use of senses (not only by understanding the Bible) Humanists are NOT anti-Catholic Focus on relation of human to divine (God) – humans are the purpose of God’s creation What is the human place in God’s plan? Artists continue to make religious works that focus on the potential of God’s creation (HUMANS)

Humanism in Art

I T A L I A Birthplace of the Renaissance In no other place than Italy, and particularly Florence, was this exploration of the secular world more explored…..

Medieval Art Refresher Religious Subject Matter & Symbolism Focus on Afterlife No Individualization/ Emotion Anatomical Inaccuracies Lack of Single Scene Two-Dimensional Untrained Artists

INDIVIDUALISM CLASSICISM SECULARISM Renaissance art clearly depicts the philosophy of humanism in its emphasis on: INDIVIDUALISM CLASSICISM SECULARISM

Renaissance art also includes new or reborn artistic techniques…

Alessandro Botticelli, Venus and Mars c. 1483 Symmetry Tempera on Panel National Gallery, London Alessandro Botticelli, Venus and Mars c. 1483

Piero della Francesca, Ideal City, c. 1470 PERSPECTIVE Piero della Francesca, Ideal City, c. 1470

GEOMETRY The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci c. 1495-1498 For Duke Ludvoco Sfarza and Duchesse Beatrice d’Este Mural painting in Milan The triangular organization suggests stability and order, values held by the ancient Greeks & Romans

It also suggests the Trinity, a basic Christian belief God the Father God the Son God the Holy Spirit

Chiaroscuro Chiaroscuro (shading) Creates a sense of realism of individual Leonardo da Vinci: The Madonna of the Carnation, c. 1478-1480

How does this painting reflect Humanism? INDIVIDUALISM SECULARISM “3-D” landscape Mary is a real person, not a medieval “zombie” Concern with details Emphasizes the “real world” setting Why does she look “real?”

But this is still a religious painting The Church is still a major patron of the arts Renaissance Europe is still a very religious society But the art is now done in a realistic style by professionally trained artists, not untrained monks

How does this painting reflect Humanism? Ermine is in the weasel family – this is probably a white ferret Subject: Cecilia Gallerani, mistress of Duke of Milan (Lodovico Sfarza) Leonardo da Vinci : Lady with an Ermine c. 1485

CLASSICISM INDIVIDUALISM Portraits: What could be a better expression of… INDIVIDUALISM CLASSICISM No portraits in the Middle Ages…but lots during Roman times!

Roman Architecture Reborn Dome designed by Fillipo Brunelleschi – octagonal design of double-walled dome resting on drum (not roof) With reminders of their classical past all around them, Italians engaged in a rebirth of Roman architecture Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore Florence, Italy

VS. Notice the difference in scale of the dome compared to a medieval Gothic cathedral

The Renaissance cathedral is more down to earth & more human in scale Appropriate for the focus on man & life in the secular world

Italian Renaissance art clearly reflects Humanism in its emphasis on: 1. INDIVIDUALISM: glorifying potential, talents and accomplishments of individual human beings. 2. CLASSICISM: Re-discovery and appreciation of ancient Greek & Roman culture 3. SECULARISM: emphasis on this world (the “here & now”) and its material pleasures rather than the afterlife (“hereafter”) or spiritual world.