What is Humanism?

Humanism

• A cultural renewal movement that emerged in Italy in the 15th century.
• It spread throughout Europe in the 16th century.
• Humanism replaced the medieval mindset, which placed God at the center, and promoted human beings as the center of the world.
• It focused on classical Greek and Latin authors and the revival of ancient culture.

Characteristics of Humanism

• Exaltation of human beings as the only ones endowed with reason and freedom, rejecting the medieval mindset centered on God.
• Inspiration in Greek and Latin culture, with translations of classical authors such as Plato and Aristotle.
• Interest in science and technical progress, based on observation and experimentation.
• Use of vernacular languages (French, Italian, Spanish) instead of Latin.

Inventions or institutions that spread Humanism

• The printing press, which allowed the massive diffusion of books
• The academies, which promoted humanist thought
• The universities, which promoted new knowledge, such as those of Bologna, Padua, and Alcalá de Henares.

Initiator of the Protestant Reformation

• Martin Luther, a German Augustinian monk.

Causes of the Protestant Reformation and Changes Proposed by Luther

• Causes included the luxury of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, corruption in the clergy, the sale of indulgences, and the desire for a more intimate religiosity based on reading the Bible.
• Luther proposed: Salvation through faith and not through good works.
• Universal priesthood and free interpretation of the Bible.
• Elimination of religious orders and worship of images.

Catholic Church's Response to Luther's Reformation.

• It is called the Counter-Reformation.
• Measures include the persecution of Protestants.
• Creation of the Tribunal of the Holy Office (Inquisition).
• Preparation of the Index of prohibited books.
• The Council of Trent reaffirmed Catholic dogmas and reformed religious orders.

Renaissance Art

• An artistic movement that emerged in Europe in the 14th century and was inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity.
• It was characterized by the search for ideal beauty, the study of nature, and human anatomy.
• This secularized art, driven by patronage, dealt with profane and religious themes.

Stages of the Renaissance

• Quattrocento (15th century): Centered in Florence, under the patronage of the Medici.
• Cinquecento (16th century): Centered in Rome, with the Popes as the main promoters of art.

Architecture, Sculpture, and Painting Styles

• Architecture: Inspired by Greco-Roman models, it used elements such as columns, domes, and semicircular arches. Light and the urban environment were also very important.
• Sculpture: Based on classical canons, with a focus on proportion and the treatment of the human nude, using marble and bronze.
• Painting: Perspective was introduced to reproduce reality faithfully, also the use of oil on canvas instead of frescoes. There was great interest in the human figure and anatomy.