Renaissance History Overview

Renaissance History

• The Renaissance was a period of cultural and intellectual rebirth in Europe, following the Middle Ages (14th - 17th century).
• Before the Renaissance:
  • Middle Ages/Dark Ages: Characterized by monarchy, limited education, lack of rights, poor economics, and a strong influence of the Church.
  • Bubonic Plague (Black Death): Devastated Europe, killing around 25% of the population.
  • Feudalism: A social system where people were born into their class and their life path was predetermined.
  • Influence of the Church: Christianity dominated thought and culture. The Pope held significant power.
  • Rise of the Islamic Empire: Strong economy and trade spread ideas to Europe, creating a sense of needing to "catch up."
• Causes of the Renaissance:
  • The plague, social stagnation, and a desire for greatness led to a revival of classical Greek and Roman culture.
  • Humanism: A movement advocating for the study of classical literature, philosophy, and art, with a focus on individual potential and virtue. It encouraged well-rounded individuals and played a key role in sparking the Renaissance.

Italian Renaissance

• Humanism: Key philosophy of the Renaissance, emphasizing the study of classics to become a virtuous and well-rounded individual.
• Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1513): The epitome of the Renaissance man, excelling in art, science, invention, and engineering.
  • Art: Master of perspective, developed sfumato (blending of colors for depth)and chiaroscuro (contrast of light and dark). Famous for Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
  • Science: Used scientific method to improve art and understanding of the world, studying anatomy, optics, aerodynamics, hydrology, geology, and botany.
  • Inventions: Developed designs for inventions, some ahead of his time. Notable designs include architectural plans, gears, helicopters, canal building, military engineering, dams, and underwater breathing devices.
• Major Renaissance Art Techniques:
  • Perspective: Creating the illusion of depth and distance, focusing on one point.
  • Sfumato: Blending colors smoothly to create soft transitions and atmospheric depth.
  • Foreshortening: Changing the length of objects based on perspective to create realism.
  • Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and dramatic effects.
• Key Italian Renaissance Artists:
  • Brunelleschi (1377-1446): Father of Renaissance architecture, known for the Dome of Florence Cathedral and rediscovering linear perspective.
  • Donatello (1386-1466): Master sculptor known for his use of perspective, schiacciato (thinning carving for 3D effect), and realistic portrayal of human figures. Famous works include Saint George, David, and The Ascension.
  • Van Eyck (1390-1441): Dutch artist known for his mastery of oil painting, creating strong colors and realism in depictions of townspeople and religious scenes.
  • Raphael (1483-1520): Influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, known for a blend of Christian and classical styles in his works. Famous for The Transfiguration, Chigi Chapel, and numerous Madonnas.
  • Titian (1488/90 - 1576): Master of color, light, contrast, and oil painting. Known for his impasto (thick texture), portraits, and use of rich colors.
  • Tintoretto (1518-1594): Self-taught artist influenced by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Known for dramatic lighting, use of halos, and strong emotional expression in his paintings.
  • Bruegel (1525/30 - 1569): Known for secular art, peasant scenes, and bright colors.
  • Caravaggio (1571-1610): Known for intense realism, large-scale religious works, and dramatic use of chiaroscuro.

Northern Renaissance

• Beginning: Occurred approximately 100 years after the Italian Renaissance.
• Economic Factors: The North recovered slower from the plague and had a weaker economy.
• Shifting Humanism: Focus shifted from individual improvement to improving society as a whole.
• Key Northern Renaissance Artists:
  • Durer
  • Van Eyck
  • Bruegel

Renaissance Literature

• Gutenberg Printing Press (1456): Enabled faster spread of ideas.
• Vernacular Language: Writing shifted from Latin to common languages, making literature accessible to a wider audience.
• Key Renaissance Authors:
  • Erasmus (German): A humanist priest known for producing new Greek and Latin editions of the New Testament and advocating for a vernacular Bible. Famous for Praise of Folly.
  • Sir Thomas More (English): Humanist, judge, and social reformer. Known for Utopia, a book describing an ideal and peaceful society.
  • Shakespeare (English): Prolific playwright and poet, known for his exploration of intense human emotions and relatable characters.
  • Cervantes (Spanish): Known for Don Quixote, a satirical novel that mocks the Middle Ages and celebrates the Renaissance.
  • Rabelais (French): Known for Gargantua and Pantagruel, a satirical novel discussing serious topics through the experience of gentle giants.

Machiavelli and "The Prince"

• Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527): Italian diplomat, writer, and political philosopher.
• The Prince (1513): His most famous work, a treatise on political philosophy that argues that the ends justify the means for a ruler.
• Machiavellian: Describes someone who is manipulative, critical, and straightforward.

Protestant Reformation

• Challenges to the Church: Corruption, indulgences, and lavish church lifestyles led to questioning and doubt.
• Key Figures:
  • John Wycliffe (1300s): Early reformer.
  • John Hus: Rejected church teachings.
  • John Tetzel: A seller of indulgences.
  • Martin Luther: German monk who challenged the Church's authority, advocating for faith alone for salvation, the Bible as the sole spiritual authority, and the rejection of a hierarchical church.
  • Lucas Cranach: Court painter who painted portraits of Luther and other reformers.
  • John Calvin: Developed Calvinism, a branch of Protestantism that emphasized predestination.
  • Thomas Cranmer: Architect of the English Reformation.
• Events:
  • 95 Theses (1517): Luther's list of criticisms against the Church.
  • Peasant Revolt (1524): Led by a peasant priest, the revolt was ultimately unsuccessful.
  • Peace of Augsburg (1555): Allowed German princes to choose the religion of their state (Catholic or Lutheran).
• Protestant Sects: Lutheran, Calvinism, and Anabaptists emerged as branches of Protestantism.
• English Reformation: King Henry VIII separated from the Catholic Church to create the Anglican Church.
• Key Figures in the English Reformation:
  • King Henry VIII: Broke with the Catholic Church.
  • Elizabeth I: Established the Elizabethan settlement, which made England a Protestant nation.
• Catholic Reformation (Counter Reformation):
  • Pope Paul III: Aimed to slow the spread of Protestantism, establishing the Jesuit order, calling the Council of Trent, and strengthening the Inquisition.

Key Italian Renaissance Figures

• Lorenzo the Magnificent: Powerful ruler of Florence, patron of the arts and a key figure in the Italian Renaissance.
• Baldassare Castiglione: Author of The Book of the Courtier, a guide to ideal behavior for gentlemen and ladies.
• Medici Family: A wealthy and powerful family that became patrons of the arts and sciences, supporting artists and intellectuals during the Renaissance.

Explore the significant changes in Europe during the Renaissance, a period marking the cultural and intellectual rebirth from the 14th to 17th century. This quiz will delve into the factors leading to the Renaissance, including the decline of feudalism, the impact of the Bubonic Plague, and the rise of Humanism. Test your knowledge on how these elements transformed European society.