Renaissance Background

1485-1660

• Renaissance- a French word meaning rebirth

  • Refers to a renewed interest in classical (Greco-Roman) learning

  • Renewal of curiosity and creativity as people began thinking more about themselves and their world

  • a fervent period of cultural, artistic, political, and economic rebirth/renewal following the Middle Ages

  • The Renaissance bridged the gap between the Middle Ages and modern civilization

• During the Middle Ages, Europe made few advances in science and art and had little regard for ancient philosophies or learning

• In the 14th century, humanism began to gain momentum in Italy

  • Humanism promoted the idea that man was the center of his own universe and human achievements in science, arts, education, etc should be embraced

    • Goal: use the classics to explore philosophical questions and to strengthen Christianity instead of discrediting it

• The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy which was the hub of a lot of energy and creativity at the time and where wealthy citizens could afford to support budding artists

  • Members of the powerful Medici family were famous backers of the movement

  • The movement expanded to other Italian city-states first and then, in the 15th century, ideas spread from Italy to France and then throughout western and northern Europe

• Art, architecture, and science were viewed as being linked together

• Renaissance art valued realism and naturalism

  • Artists used perspective, shadows, and light to portray subjects in a true-to-life way

• Exploration and discovery was highly valued as voyagers launched expeditions to travel the globe and discover new shipping routes

• People were encouraged to explore religion for themselves

  • More people learned to read, write, and interpret text, so new ideas could spread much more rapidly

• Renaissance thinkers and artists believed in and sought to capture human beings as noble and capable of perfection

  • The power and capacity of the human being was emphasized