What Was the Renaissance?
The Renaissance (14th-17th century) was a cultural movement that began in Italy and spread across Europe. The word means "rebirth" — a revival of classical learning and values.
Origins in Italy
- Wealthy city-states (Florence, Venice, Milan)
- Trade brought exposure to other cultures
- Ancient Roman ruins provided inspiration
- Less feudal, more urban society
Florence was the epicenter, patronized by the Medici banking family.
Key Characteristics
Humanism: Focus on human potential and achievement. Studied classical Greek and Roman texts for guidance on ethics, politics, and style.
Individualism: Celebrated individual genius and accomplishment. Artists signed their work; biographies became popular.
Secularism: While still Christian, focus expanded beyond religion to include worldly pursuits — art, science, politics.
Naturalism: Art aimed to represent the world realistically.
Art Revolution
- Linear perspective (Brunelleschi)
- Chiaroscuro (light/shadow for depth)
- Anatomical accuracy (from dissection)
- Oil painting techniques
Masters included Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli.
Science and Learning
- Printing press (Gutenberg, 1450s) spread ideas rapidly
- Copernicus proposed heliocentric solar system
- Vesalius revolutionized anatomy
- Machiavelli analyzed politics realistically
Spread Across Europe
- Northern Renaissance: Dürer, Van Eyck, Erasmus
- English Renaissance: Shakespeare, Marlowe
- Scientific Revolution: Built on Renaissance foundations
Legacy
- The artist as creative genius
- Human reason as a tool for understanding nature
- Classical learning as a model for education
These ideas shaped the modern West.
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