Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance
Chapter 1 Section 1 Notes
Europe suffered from war and plague. Survivors wanted to celebrate- explosion of creativity in art, writing, and thought.
Renaissance (1300-1600) rebirth: revival of art and learning of the classical Greek and Roman. Renaissance began in Italy and spread throughout Europe.
3 advantages of beginning in Italy: 1. Thriving cities 2. Wealthy merchant class 3. Classical heritage of Greece and Rome
Crusades spurred overseas trade. City-states grew and people exchanged ideas. The bubonic plague (1300s) killed up to 60% of the population and brought economic changes. People shifted from business to art. Merchants dominated politics. The Medici family (banking) became powerful in Florence. Cosimo de Medici- dictator of Florence
Renaissance art: Artists and scholars of Italy drew inspiration from the ruins of Rome that surrounded them, studied ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts. Renaissance art focused on prominent citizens and the ideal man rather than religious subjects and painted in 3-D. Patrons- money for art
Renaissance men- excelled in many areas. Example: Leonardo da Vinci
Humanism- intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements. Examples: Donatello- statue of David. Leonardo painted Mona Lisa, The Last Supper. Raphael painted the school of Athens
Humanists- tried to understand the ancient Greek values rather than trying to make the texts agree with Christian teachings.
Humanities: history, literature, and philosophy
Secular- worldly rather than spiritual Examples of secular: live in mansions, threw lavish parties, & wore expensive clothes
Castiglione- wrote the book The Courtier which describes the perfect noble
Dante- wrote in the vernacular- native language for self expression or to portray the individuality of the subjects
Petrarch- Great poet, wrote in Italy and Latin
Boccaccio- wrote Decameron- realistic, off color stories
Machiavelli- The Prince: do what is politically effective
Women in the Renaissance were to inspire the art, not create the art. Exceptions: Anguissola and Gentileschi