Renaissance
Do Now
Write a definition for the word, ‘rebirth’
Factors that Contributed to the
Beginning of the Renaissance
• The Renaissance was an age of recovery from the disasters
of the 14th century, such as the plague, political instability,
and a decline of Church power
• Recovery went hand-in-hand with a rebirth of interest in
ancient culture (e.g., ancient Greece and Rome)
• A new view of human beings emerged as people in the
Italian Renaissance began to emphasize individual ability
What was the Renaissance?
The Renaissance was a cultural movement
and a time of renewal (Europe was
recovering from the Dark Ages and the
Black Death/Bubonic Plague)
Renaissance means “rebirth” of classical
knowledge and “birth” of the modern
world (new intellectual and artistic ideas
that developed during the Renaissance
marked the beginning of the modern
world)
Where did the Renaissance begin?
•Italy
•Italian Cities
•Urban Societies
•Major Trading Centers
•Secular Movement
•People lost their faith in the church and began to
put more focus on human beings and material
possessions
When did the Renaissance Take
Place?
Roughly the 14th to the 17th century
Reminder
Renaissance means “rebirth” of interest in
ancient culture (Greece and Rome)
The Renaissance produced new ideas that
were reflected in the arts, philosophy, and
literature.
Patrons, wealthy from newly expanded
trade, sponsored works which glorified
city-states in northern Italy. Education
became increasingly secular.
Classical art showed the importance of people
and leaders, as well as gods and goddesses
Medieval art and literature focused on the
Church and salvation
Renaissance art and literature focused on the
importance of people and nature, along with
religion
Classical Art
History Alive! Pg. 316 ‘Discobolus’
• Figures were lifelike but often idealized (more
perfect than in real life)
• Figures were nude or draped in togas (robes)
• Bodies looked active, and motion was believable
• Faces were calm and without emotion
• Scenes showed either heroic figures or real people
doing tasks from daily life
Medieval Art
History Alive! Pg. 317 ‘Narthex Tympanum'
• Most art was religious, showing Jesus, saints,
people from the Bible, and so on
• Important figures in paintings were shown as
larger than others around them
• Figures looked stiff, with little sense of movement
• Figures were fully dressed in stiff-looking clothing
• Faces were serious and showed little feeling
• Paint colors were bright
Renaissance artists embraced some of the ideals
of ancient Greece and Rome in their art.
The purpose of art would no longer be to glorify
God, as it had been in Medieval Europe. Artists
wanted their subjects to be realistic and focused
on humanity and emotion.
New Techniques also emerged.
Perspective
The School of Athens
Subjects are mainly
secular, but can be
religious
Figures look idealized,
but can also look like
everyday ordinary people
Bodies are active
Clothed or unclothed
Faces are expressive
Detail
•Cultural and educational reform
•The study of classical culture (ancient Greece and Rome),
in contrast with the study of things related to the church
and religion
• Celebrated the individual
•Was supported by wealthy patrons (financial supporters)