1. The European Renaissance

2. 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
Why did it begin in Italy? 3 reasons:
More urban (more cities) than rest of Europe = more people = more/better exchange of ideas

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 5-Minute Response
How did the artists and thinkers of the Renaissance help change society as a whole?

10. Perspective: Renaissance vs. Medieval Art

11. Spread of Renaissance Ideas