Renaissance in Europe
World Civilizations
Madison Southern High School
What does Renaissance mean?
• Renaissance is a French word, meaning “rebirth.”
• It occurred during an era marked by developments in art,
literature, science, and learning.
• “Rebirth” of what, exactly?
Background Information
• Middle Ages – suffered from war and the Black Death
• 1/3 of the European population dead
• Survivors begin to enjoy life more than before
• France and England = 100 Years War
Why Italy?
• Italy had the necessary ingredients, such as:
1.
2.
3.
Thriving Cities – less workers = higher wages
Wealthy Merchant/Middle Class – trade during Crusades
Classical Heritage – taken from Greece and Rome
• What were some of those classical ideas?
Renaissance Ideas
• Greek scholars came to Italy after the Middle Ages.
• They brought long-lost writings and new ideas.
• These scholars pushed for a belief that human’s had the ability to create
and achieve.
Rise of Humanism
• Humanism – focus on human potential and achievement.
• Belief that the potential of the human mind was endless.
• Humanist thinkers rediscovered ancient texts on anatomy,
geography, and astronomy.
Secular Writers
• During this time period, the church no longer served as a
source of stability and peace.
• A secular perspective took hold—worldly focus, rather than
spiritual.
• What is the difference?
Science of the Renaissance
• Science would become a challenge to the
teachings of the church.
• Viewers of the night sky began to claim that
the Earth was not the center of the universe
as the church had been teaching.
• Nicholas Copernicus – the sun was at the
center and was orbited by the planets and
stars.
Leonardo da Vinci – Mona Lisa (1503)
Michelangelo – Moses (1513)
Michelangelo – David (1501)
Renaissance Art
• Medieval artists focused more on symbolic religious themes.
• Renaissance artists depicted things they observed in nature.
• They wanted to paint the natural world as realistically as
possible.
Things to Remember
• Renaissance is the rebirth of classical ideas, learning, and art.
• The birthplace of this era was Italy.
• Rise of humanism—focus on the individual potential.
• Realism—paint the natural world realistically.
Quick Write (Exit Slip)
Earlier we discussed how the Black Death prompted many
survivors to turn away from religion and focus more of their
attention on their own individual lives.
1. Why do you think many people focused less of their
attention on religion? Explain your answer.
2. Why didn’t people get closer to religion during these tough
times? What do you think would have been your reaction?
Renaissance Spreads North
• Population in Northern Europe recovers from plague.
• Cities grow rapidly in the area.
• French and English both begin to sponsor the arts.
• Ideas spread from Italy and throughout Europe.
What Encouraged the Spread of Ideas?
1. War in Italy with artists fleeing to the north for safety.
2. German painters study the arts in Italy and return home.
3. Flanders – attraction to individualism.
4. Northern writers and Christian Humanism.
Notable Figures
• Erasmus – believed in Christianity of the heart.
• Thomas More – writer of the famous book, Utopia.
• William Shakespeare –
• Command of English language
• Portrayed dramatic human characters
Elizabethan Age
• Another name for the Renaissance in
England.
• Named after Queen Elizabeth.
• Well-educated, spoke many languages,
and valued poetry.
Printing Spreads Ideas
• Gutenberg invents the printing press.
• 1440 – reinvented the movable type.
• 1455 – printed a complete bible.
• This spreads ideas because –
• Books can be produced quickly.
• Affordable for everyday citizens.
• Increased literacy.