Humanism and Its Key Figures

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance emphasizing classical texts and human values, celebrating individual achievement and worth.

A hierarchical view of the universe, where all matter and life are ranked from God to minerals, emphasizing a divinely ordained order.

A key figure in the Renaissance, considered the 'Father of Humanism' who revived interest in classical literature and promoted humanist ideals through his writings.

An Italian writer and poet connected to and influencing the spread of humanist ideas during the Renaissance.

An intellectual movement of the Renaissance focusing on human potential, individual worth, and classical knowledge.

Writings from ancient Greece and Rome, such as literature, philosophy, and history.

During the Middle Ages, the focus was on religious scholasticism.

The ability and worth of individual human beings (central to humanism).

A collection of 100 stories written by Giovanni Boccaccio, depicting life during the Black Death and exploring human behavior.

A political strategy focused on practical considerations and power, rather than ideals or morality.

A principle often associated with Machiavelli suggesting that achieving a desired outcome justifies any action taken.

The concept that humans have inherent value and potential for individual achievement, central to Renaissance humanism.

A literary debate about the nature and status of women during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Values that focus on human potential, individual worth, and intellectual pursuit, characteristic of the Renaissance.

Works of literature produced during the Renaissance, often reflecting humanist ideals and themes.

A Renaissance writer who defended women's rights and abilities in her works, most notably 'The Book of the City of Ladies.'

An Italian humanist who proved the 'Donation of Constantine' was a forgery using critical analysis and textual study.

A document supposedly granting the Pope power over the Western Roman Empire, later proven to be a forgery by Lorenzo Valla.

A devastating bubonic plague pandemic in the 1300s that killed millions in Europe and Asia, causing significant societal changes.

The plague led to labor shortages, changes in labor systems, decline of feudalism, and a deep impact on art, literature, and cultural attitudes.

An Italian polymath of the Renaissance, known for his diverse skills in art, science, engineering, and more.

An ideal of the Renaissance that celebrated individuals with broad knowledge and abilities across various fields.

Michelangelo, a prominent figure of the High Renaissance, was renowned for his exceptional ability to depict the human form, showcasing emotion and movement in his art.

Michelangelo's intricate frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, depicting scenes from the Bible, are considered a pinnacle of Renaissance art.

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, famous for its enigmatic smile, is renowned for its realistic portrayal and the sfumato technique, creating soft transitions between colors.

The Duomo in Florence, featuring a magnificent dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a testament to Renaissance architecture and engineering.

Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized book production and knowledge dissemination.

A period in the Renaissance characterized by artistic and intellectual flourishing, exemplified by artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

A painting technique used by Leonardo da Vinci, creating soft transitions between colors and tones for a realistic and almost dreamlike effect.

A style of architecture emphasizing classical influences, symmetry, and proportion, exemplified by Filippo Brunelleschi's dome of the Duomo.

A printing technology using reusable, movable characters to create text.

The printing press revolutionized knowledge sharing, aiding the spread of Renaissance ideas and the Reformation.

Women's roles in Renaissance society varied by region and social class.

Humanist ideas emphasized human potential and individual achievement, influencing art, literature, education, and even religious thought.

Humanist thinkers like Petrarch, Erasmus, and More revived classical studies and advocated for individual expression.

Renaissance artists looked back to ancient Greek and Roman art for inspiration and techniques.

Renaissance art focused on realism, perspective, and human anatomy, showcasing technical innovations.

Wealthy patrons supported and influenced Renaissance artists, shaping artistic production.