HUMANISM
A Renaissance value, is the belief that “the human being is the measure of all things,” that people and their activities are important and interesting. Humanism focused on human achievements and potential, rather than religious themes. Humanists focus on pleasure and happiness, rather than the idea of “right and wrong.” People who are not humanistic see the human being as insignificant. They place more value on God (or gods) or on science or nature, etc.
INDIVIDUALISM
Renaissance people believed in individualism. They thought it right to be themselves and think for themselves. They were, of course, members of groups – the church, families, guilds, etc. Nevertheless, their own ideas and activities gave them their sense of who they really were. Like the Romans, people of the Renaissance were ambitious for fame and worldly success. Like the Greeks, they believed humans could achieve great things. These attitudes encouraged curiosity and adventure. In contrast to the Middle Ages, uniqueness was encouraged, and many artists were thought to have been "genius". Raphael, while creating the School of Athens, depicted himself in the painting. This was common way Renaissance artists used "self-glorification" to show their importance. Michelangelo's David also depicts individualism. His confident pose, in contrast to the Middle Ages' Christian humility, is used to symbolize that man accomplish anything.
SKEPTISM
A Renaissance value of having a questioning attitude. It was seen as a good thing to experiment, try new things, and shake up the system. Skepticism (from the Greek, skeptesthai, 'to examine') is the philosophical view that it is impossible to know anything with absolute certainty, or to know the world as it 'really' is. The word can also mean a general reluctance to accept anything on face value without sufficient proof. People believed that our senses were inherently suspect, hence we should doubt just about everything. People were entitled to their opinions, and all opinions were valid because we can never be really sure of facts In the Middle Ages, exactly the opposite had been considered right – accept, do not question, and have faith in the church.
WELL-ROUNDEDNESS
Renaissance people thought the ideal person was one who was interested in many things and active in many fields. Citizens of the Renaissance strived to be educated, witty, charming, and artistic. A gentleman should have a firm handle on not just one or two, but every aspect of his humanity, working to strengthen himself in every way possible. If he is blessed with the gift of intelligence, his academic pursuits should not be chased to the expense of his physical health. Similarly, a creative personality should not lead a man to isolate himself and ignore the social aspect of his being. Excellence in one of these areas does not take attention away from the pursuit of the others but rather serves only to increase competence in complimentary areas, giving man a greater understanding of himself and the world around him. The ideal of the Renaissance Man originated in Italy, and is based on the belief that a man’s capacity for personal development is without limits; competence in a broad range of abilities and areas of knowledge should be every man’s goal and is within every man’s grasp.
SECULARISM
Secularism is a non-religious belief. It also means worldliness or a belief in the importance of this life on earth. Making money, traveling, and making your home comfortable are secular activities; however, praying is NOT secular. Secularists strived to keep the church separate from their everyday lives. Michelangelo's David and Raphael's School of Athens both depict the rising secularism in the Renaissance. As a result of the Inquisition, a general movement away from the Catholic Church occurred. Michelangelo's sculpture was a recreation of the Biblical figure David. Although Michelangelo used a religious theme in his art, religious themes were portrayed not to glorify God, but to glorify the artists themselves. In Raphael's School of Athens, secularism is shown in the philosophers themselves. Lavish clothing of the era shows an importance in wealth. The spirit of the Renassiance was more secular than religious.
CLASSICISM
Renaissance people were interested in the classical age, the time of Greeks and Romans. The classical age was a time when people were also secular, individualistic, humanistic, and skeptical. So, Renaissance people looked back at their roots for values. Renaissance Classicism was a form of art that removed extraneous detail and showed the world as it was. The use of light, shadow, foreshortening, and perspective had been perfected and was at the fingertips of these great artists. Classicism idealized the world as it was and as the artist felt it. Classicism left out the extraneous detail to go for the truth of the matter and emphasize the noble. This style of painting was the first to stress a balance and harmony in art and nature. Furthermore, it was subsidized by the Pope primarily for the painting of his chapel and by the rich Italian families that wanted to have that which the Church had.