A rebirth of learning and the arts with emphasis on individual achievement,
the classics, and secularism
It began in Northern Italy ( France & England were fighting the Hundred
Years War)
 Thriving cities
 A wealthy merchant class that dominated politics
 Classical heritage from Rome and Greece
Florence came under the rule of the Medici family, wealthy traders and
bankers. Cosimo de’Medici was the wealthiest European of his time.
They were patrons of the arts.
The study of classical texts led to humanism, which focused on human
potential and achievement. Humanists popularized classical education like
history, literature, and philosophy. These subjects are called the humanities.
The basic spirit of the Renaissance was secular, even church leaders became
more worldly. Popes became patrons of the arts.
Artists:
 Used religious subjects but with a realistic style
 Portraits revealed distinction
 The human body was glorified
Made realistic sculpture
Revived classical form
Statue of David
Rediscovered perspective
Optical illusion/vanishing point
A painter, sculptor,inventor, & scientist
Wrote in mirror image (?)
Most famous portrait – Mona Lisa
Studied with Perugino
Painted Pope Julius II’s library
Famous – School of Athens
A painter, sculptor, architect, & poet
Explored theme of human potential
Designed the dome of the Basilica
Painted Sistine Chapel
Writers:
Some wrote in the vernacular
Wrote for self-expression or to portray the individuality of their subjects
Wrote sonnets
Muse – Laura
Decameron – human folly with sarcasm
The Prince
More concerned with what was politically effective
The Courtier
Tells how to be a “Renaissance Man”
Exchanged sonnets with Michelangelo
Helped with The Courtier