1. The Renaissance

2. The Renaissance in Italy1
The Renaissance in Italy
Objectives:
Why were the Italian city-states a favorable setting for a cultural rebirth?
What was the Renaissance?
What themes and techniques did Renaissance artists and writers explore?

3. life in the City-States
Social structure was not based around manor life, but city-life and trade
Guilds- groups where members are involved in the same trade; Metalworkers, merchants, bakers, etc.
As guilds became more powerful, they wanted a greater say in politics and government, the Popolo, or organization of guilds fought for rights
Raised status of the “Common Man” to “Citizen”

4. Commercial Success – The “Merchant Princes”
Money Translated into cultural and political power
These were individuals and families who had become wealthy through trade.
They had a respect for human achievement and a commitment to public good.
Medici Family at the center of Italian Renaissance
Cosimo de’ Medici consolidated power in A.D.
Grandson, Lorenzo de’ Medici became patron –
or financial supporter of the arts

6. The Medici Family
Cosimo-spent part of his wealth on charitable acts, lived simply, and cultivated literature and the arts. Amassed the largest library in Europe, brought in many Greek sources.
He was a patron of many artists including the great master Donatello.
Florence became the cultural center of Europe and the center of the new Humanism.
Lorenzo The Magnificent," as he was called by the people of Florence, was a statesman, ruler, and patron of the arts.
Lorenzo ruled Florence with his younger brother, Giuliano, from to 1478.
He contributed more than anyone to the Florentine art, supporting such Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

7. Videos The Medicis- Godfathers of the Renaissance
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School of Life
PBS- la.html