Active Classroom One Flashcards

Literature and Art

• Book of Songs is a collection of poetry authored by Petrarch.
• The Decameron, written by Boccaccio, is a notable anthology of stories.
• David, a significant sculpture, was created by both Michelangelo and Donatello.
• Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for masterpieces such as The Last Supper and Mona Lisa.
• Notebooks kept by Da Vinci document his extensive ideas and sketches.

Historical Context

• The Dark Ages denote the Middle Ages, characterized by limited intellectual progress for most people.
• Renaissance refers to the transformative era of European history post-Middle Ages, highlighting advancements in arts and scholarship.
• Italian Renaissance signifies the early stage of the Renaissance, emphasizing the rise of humanism in Italy.

Humanism

• Humanism is the intellectual movement focusing on human experience and worldly matters, contrasting with Medieval theological priorities.
• Petrarch and Boccaccio are recognized as "the first humanists," influential figures in the development of this philosophy.

Notable Figures

• Giovanni Boccaccio, significant as an early humanist and writer.
• Lorenzo the Magnificent, a prominent figure in the Medici family, known for his influence and power.
• Cosimo de' Medici, regarded as "the father of his country," was a pivotal leader within the Medici family.
• Giovanni de' Medici was the first influential and wealthy Medici family member.

Artistic Achievements

• Michelangelo is celebrated for his remarkable works as both a sculptor and painter.
• Giotto, known as the first humanist painter, made notable contributions to Italian Renaissance art.
• Raphael gained acclaim as a distinguished painter of the Renaissance period.
• The School of Athens, painted by Raphael, symbolizes the celebration of classical philosophy and arts.

Religion and Society

• The Roman Catholic Church was the predominant Christian institution prior to the Reformation.
• Feudalism was the governance structure in medieval Europe, while manorialism represented the economic system linked to the manor.

Key Artworks

• Michelangelo's ceiling painting in the Sistine Chapel is a monumental achievement in Renaissance art.
• The art and literary works produced during this period continue to influence modern culture, with William Shakespeare representing the pinnacle of English Renaissance theatre.