World History: Medieval vs Renaissance Art

Medieval Art Characteristics

• Predominantly religious subjects.
• Stiff, flat figures lacking significant movement.
• Important figures depicted larger than others.
• Figures fully clothed in intricately carved garments.
• Faces exhibit solemn expressions with minimal emotion.
• Utilizes vibrant colors with flat, two-dimensional appearance.
• Backgrounds typically a single color, often gold, lacking realistic perspective.

Renaissance - Humanism

• Emphasis on studying classical languages, philosophy, and governance.
• Expansion of trade facilitated the spread of Renaissance ideas and products.
• Led to advancements in banking, cartography, joint-stock companies, and the rise of a middle class.

Renaissance Art

• Features both religious and secular themes.
• Idealized and "perfect" representation of figures with active, moving bodies.
• Realistic portrayals of everyday life.
• Expressions on faces reflect genuine thoughts and emotions.
• Use of light affects color portrayal, showcasing natural detail.
• Symmetry achieved through perspective and balance.

Italian Renaissance

• Focused on religious themes and classical mythology.
• Mastery of perspective creates a sense of depth.
• Figures appear three-dimensional, reflecting an understanding of anatomy.
• Primarily represents wealthy families.
• Commonly uses fresco, tempera, and oil paints.

Leonardo da Vinci

• Renowned as a quintessential Renaissance Man, exemplifying a polymath.

Michelangelo

• Famous works include the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the statue of David, La Pieta, and the design of St. Peter's Basilica.

Brunelleschi's Dome

• Notable for being the largest dome in the world without a support structure.

Northern Renaissance Art

• Concentrated mainly in the Low Countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) and England.
• Focus on everyday life and nature rather than grand historical scenes.
• Emphasizes lighter, earthy colors and depictions of common people (peasants).
• Utilizes oil paint on panels, with a stronger focus on theatrical arts and literature.

English Renaissance

• Significant works include Thomas More's "Utopia" and the plays of Shakespeare performed at the Globe Theater.

Federalism

• A social and political system characterized by strict social classes and obligations.
• Emerges in regions with weak central governments.

Locations of Federalism

• Existed in Medieval Europe, Hindu India, Japan, and Latin America.

Feudalism System

• Social structure encompassing the Roman Catholic Church, kings, lords, knights, and serfs.
• Economic basis linking land ownership to wealth and power.

Causes of the Renaissance

• Trade links established via the Silk Road.
• Rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts.
• Impact of the Bubonic Plague.
• Innovations in various fields.

Johannes Gutenberg

• Inventor of the movable type printing press, notably printing the Bible first.

Interactions with Other Countries

• Silk Road facilitated trade exchanges and cultural learning.
• Crusades resulted in military conflicts and cultural exchanges, increasing demand for products.

Rediscovery of Classical Texts

• Ancient writings advocated for self-improvement, contributing to the rise of Humanism.
• Focus on physical and intellectual pursuits mirrored in Olympic ideals and philosophy.

Bubonic Plague

• Epidemic caused the deaths of 75-200 million people across Europe and Asia, instigating doubts about Catholic authority.

Innovations

• The period saw new artistic forms emerging in sculpture and painting.
• The printing press revolutionized information dissemination and literature access.

Silk Road

• Trade route followed by Marco Polo, connecting China to Europe.

Crusades Impact

• A series of conflicts led by the Catholic Church resulted in a significant population drop (approximately 10% of Europe).
• Revival of ancient texts and goods brought back to Europe.
• Religious intolerance culminated in the 1492 expulsion of Muslims and Jews from the Iberian Peninsula.

Influence of Greek and Romans

• Italian scholars rediscovered and shared ancient texts through trade.
• Key figures include Petrarch, supported by wealthy patrons, notably the Medici family from Florence.
• Art became more accessible to the illiterate, depicting relatable, everyday imagery.

Petrarch's Contributions

• Coined the term "Dark Ages" referring to the perceived ignorance of the Middle Ages, contrasting it with the enlightenment of the Renaissance.