Unit 1 The Renaissance

1. Unit 1 The Renaissance

2. The Italian Renaissance- Why Italy? • The word “Renaissance” 1st used in 1th century to describe the revival of interest in art/poetry etc… of Greece and Rome. But it came to mean the broader consciousness of the age • Why Italy? • Rome had been there- examples everywhere. • When Constantinople fell Byzantines came to Italy- which brought more knowledge • Long distance trade already bringing in $$

3. What is a Renaissance? • Began in Italy in early 1300s (until about 1500) • Elsewhere from about 1450-1600(ish) • A focus on the secular, rather than the spiritual world (typical of Mid. Ages) • The word coined by Jacob Burkhardt describing the time period as a “rebirth” from the “darkness” of the middle ages

4. Economic Changes • Began with Crusades- Venice and Genoa made $$ with sea trade to/from Constantinople. • Florence not on coast- but concentrated on banking and wool industry, made $$ too. The “florin” became the standard currency of Europe • Italy NOT unified • Signori (despots) or Oligarchies (generally merchant aristocracies) controlled most of the city states • Commenda- contract between merchant and adventurers to travel long distance- merchants put up $$, got 1/3 profit

5. Who had one? • The upper classes- they were the people with time and resources to experiment. No more than 25% of population participating • Ordinary people were not out painting and sculpting, but the were impacted by new viewpoints and attitudes.

6. Social Structure • Social mobility much more evident than it had been during the Middle Ages. Changed to reflect manufacturing and banking. Rural nobility then married into this new $$. Wealth dictated marriage (dowry). Patriarchy- male dominated society. • Popolo Grasso- “Fat people”, wealthy merchants and nobles. Farmland owned by wealthy, most farmers tenants. • Mediocri- middle or small merchants • Popolo Minuto- “little people” laborers

7. Political Organization • City states rather than a nation. (more like Greece than Rome, will end up hurting them in the long run) • 2 main categories: Republics (communes) where associations of free men made decisions. Venice/Florence • Principalities had hereditary signori. Milan/Naples • Balance of power pattern emerged where weaker states would ally with others to prevent domination. • Origins of modern diplomacy- cities sent ambassadors, held summits etc…. • Condottieri: mercenary generals with private armies

9. Venice • Built from the Crusades- had the ideal placement for trade in the eastern Mediterranean/Black Seas- they even went along Atlantic coast. • Had a representative gov’t (Republic) with a constitution to balance political power. • Doge: chief executive elected for life by senate (only about 2500 citizens could vote) • Needed to be cohesive b/c of threat from Ottoman Empire • Known as “La Serenissima” the most Serene. Longest lasting independent city state (well into 1800s) • Greatest maritime power until 1500s • Had an “empire” of trade outposts (like ancient Athens)

10. Florence • Also Republic, with frequent political conflict as factions struggled for power. (example 1378 “Ciompi” named for “wooden shoes” protestors) • 1434-1494 Medici (banking) family took power- ran city • Cosmo/Lorenzo used patronage of the arts to make Florence magnificent. • Medici driven from power 1512-1527. 1530 made Florence a Duchy • Cosmo most powerful politician • Lorenzo most famous patron of arts- the “example” of a Renaissance prince. • Ousted by a priest Savonarola- who gave sermons on wickedness, sin and secularity

11. Milan • Principality. Grew rich from arms and textile manufacturing. • Ruled until 1447 by Visconti family (died out became republic) • 1450 Sforza family took over until 1494 when France invaded • Military state- not big into arts (exception- Leonardo’s giant horse for Duke of Milan) • Major enemy of Florence and Venice- fought frequently until Peace of Lodi 1454 created a 40 year truce (response to concerns when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople)

12. Papal States • Popes control the center of Italy. Trying to restore prestige of pope damaged in great schism. Great patrons of arts- rebuilt St. Peter’s • Pope Julius II “warrior pope” took papacy to war to gain political power. Popes ruled: levied taxes, had armies/navies, diplomatic relations with other countries • Borgia Family dominated papacy from 1455-1507. • Caesar Borgia (son of Pope Alexander II) model for Machiavelli’s “Prince” • Sack for Rome in 1527 by Charles V (HRE) ends the Italian Renaissance

13. Naples • Principality in Southern Italy- largest area. • Disputed by king of Aragon, dominated by feudal lords (rather than merchants) challenging King’s power- leading to conflict. Invaded by Ottomans, then France (1266-1435) and finally Spain (after 1435) • Only part of Italy with actual “king”- strongest title- weakest state

14. New Intellectual Developments: Humanism • Comes from classical interest in the potential of the individual. Focus on the secular, use vernacular. • Result of increased education- learning rhetoric, poetry, history, philosophy (classical curriculum) • Against scholasticism, moving towards science, learn and decide for yourself. Question, and make new discoveries. • People are naturally good, have the power to understand the world. • Believe in potential- Virtu- excellence in all pursuits. The key to a good life is reason and nature • Reject the Aristotelian view in favor of Cicero, Livy, Virgil and Plato. • Civic Humanism: education should prepare people for greater good. • Still VERY Christian

15. Petrarch: Father of Humanism • Lawyer and Cleric, he devoted his life to writing. (his work and Dante’s standardize Florentine vernacular into “Italian”) • Admired Cicero and Augustine (who believed you had to DO something with you life) • Wrote Poetry (sonnets) and an imaginary dialogue with St. Augustine where he discussed what made a moral life. • Rejected Renaissance church leaders and argued for a return to the early ideals of the church. • Considered the first “modern” writer, his ideas are no longer subordinate to religion. Also first to use critical analysis of ancient texts.

16. Spreading Humanism • Humanism became very influential in Florence (enhanced by additional knowledge of Greek writings after fall of Constantinople 1453) • Also enhanced by invention of the printing press (Gutenberg 1454) which made it practical for things to be widely published. By 1500 there were 10 million books in Europe- greater access to info of all types

17. Boccaccio • 1313-1375 • Created a compendium of Greek and Roman mythology • The Decameron: a collection of 100 stories which were a social commentary (about human behavior and all possible flaws) on Italy in the 1300s.

18. Leonardo Bruni • 1370-1444 • First person to call it “humanism”. • A civic humanist, his goal was to make Florence better- wrote first modern history of a place, with primary sources and interviews of citizens

19. Leonardo Valla • 1407-1457 • Expert on Latin language. Exposed errors in the language of the Vulgate (the official bible of the RC church) • Unintentially gave critics of the church ammo- he himself was a devote Catholic.

20. Humanism and Education • Medieval universities were for clergy to train in law, theology etc… but professional training for many careers began in the Renaissance. • For 1st time schools were separated by age and ability. Studied Greek/Latin, history, literature, science “the humanities”. Children encouraged to study moral lessons as well

21. Others Marsilio Ficino Pico della Miranda • 1433-1499 • Founded Platonic academy at request of Cosmo di Medici. • Translated Plato into Latin- giving most of Europe access to Plato for the 1st time. • 1463-1494 • “Oration on the Dignity of Man”- about the nature of humans. • We were created by God for greatness, but have free will, and we rise or fall based on our own choices

22. Baldasare Castiglione • 1478-1529 • “The Book of the Courtier”- was about the qualities you need to be a gentleman, to live a gracious and active life. • Described what came to be known as a “renaissance man”(a contrast to the medieval view that you should concentrate on one thing)- someone well educated in classics, who can play music, dance, is well mannered and physically strong.

23. Machiavelli: “The Prince” • 1513 • Most influential book of Renaissance. • Assumption that people are selfish, and leader must use power to protect us from our base nature. Said leaders must manipulate people to meet goals- had to be strong • Admired what worked more than what was “right”. • Sometimes seen a cynical, but assumes the goal is to build the best (therefore most powerful) state possible. • 1st modern treatise of political science- tells you how to do it.

24. Achievements in Art and Architecture • Italy is more Urban than rural- helped the arts- also had experience with products that became works of art. • Patrons: wealthy supporters of the arts (medici) Church common patron. • Art 1st flowered in Florence not only because of patrons, but a tradition of art in the city (Giotto) • Focus on art shows the age is changing. (Castles/Cathedrals of M.A. showed their focus) Personal conspicuous consumption admired. • Art itself is an expression of human creativity- and Renaissance Italy was the 2nd great flowering of European art (Greece 1st) Birth of idea of artist as “genius” • Rome surpassed Florence as center of art in 1500s (church)

25. Artisan vs. Artist • Artisans had always existed: skillfully created useful things • Artists: a new (reborn) idea- made things that were beautiful for the sake of beauty. • Their magnificent accomplishments made them the celebrities of the era

26. Patronage • Came from great families who kept their wealth not in banks (which is funny b/c the Medici are bankers) but on the walls, in the courtyard etc… consumerism • Manifested their corporate power- the wealth of Florence was visible around the city. (David) Glorify the city and God (Duomo, gates of paradise)

27. Sculpture • 1st time since classical that sculpture has been a big focus. • The human body is beautiful- 1st nudes since classical • Made busts of their leaders/heroes, and figures from mythology • Designed to be seen in the round (medieval were relief) Copied Greek idea of perfection of the body • Glorified the individual showed strength and integrity. Contraposto: weight on one leg

28. Painting • Less influenced by classical (few had survived) Medieval had been very serious and symbolic • Better techniques invented Oil paint, developed perspective • Asserts human power- people are unique with distinct postures and faces- put their world in their paintings • Chiaroscoro- use of light and dark colors to create depth • Sfumato (created by da vinci) softening of sharp lines for a lightly blurred effect (mona lisa)

29. Architecture • United creativity and science to build in new ways. Loved classical inspiration (columns and arches) • Built giant domes (duomo) to be seen for miles. • Leon Battista Alberti- wrote a theory of architecture based on “perfect” forms (square and circle) Beauty comes from observing the rules of proportion to create harmony. • Simplicity, symmetry, balance. Contrasted with the highly ornamental gothic style of the middle ages

30. Examples of Artists: Giotto • 1266-1366 • The last medieval/first renaissance painter. Pioneered Chiaroscoro.

31. Filippo Brunelleschi • Sculptor and architect- won contest to build the new cathedral of Florence (Duomo) built 1420-34. • When built was the largest dome ever created- looks even bigger from inside b/c of perspective

32. Lorenzo Ghiberti • 1378-1455 • Won contest to design doors of cathedral “gates of paradise” • Used a combination of classical and religious subjects and sensibilities

33. Leonardo Da Vinci • 1452-1519 • A true “renaissance man” as well as artist (engineer, scientist, philosopher) • Constantly moved from one idea, one technique to another. Known for mastery of facial expressions and realistic backgrounds • Experiments sometimes went wrong- Last Supper 1498 was an new fresco technique- epic fail

34. Donatello • 1386-1466 • Sculptor. His David (1408) was the first full nude since the classical age. Mary Magdellan expresses extreme emotion

35. Massacio • 1401-1428 • Painter- first painter to do nudes. Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.

36. Raphael • 1483-1520 • Short but important artistic career. Famous for “Madonnas” (showing love between mother and child) • Most famous single painting is “School of Athens” with contemporaries as great thinkers of the past. Perfect example of all primary renaissance techniques

37. Boticelli • 1444-1510 • Painter, known for detail and delicacy. Did much less religious work, used lots of allegory and mythology. • “Birth of Venus” most famous painting

38. Bramante • Architect during high renaissance. • Hired by Pope Julius II to build a cathedral on the spot where St. Peter had been crucified. Primary architect of St. Peter’s (Michelangelo changed some plans after he died)

39. Michelangelo • 1475-1564 • Like Leonardo he was good at many things (which is what made these 2 the “superstars”) est. known for sculpture and painting. • His 18 ft David is a symbol of the Renaissance. • Worked for church on St. Peter’s- the Sistine Chapel is his most famous contribution (combo of classical and religious themes) • Pieta- showing emotion of the moment. Designed the Dome of St. Peter’s- making sure it was bigger than the one in Florence 

40. Titan • 1485-1576 • Greatest painter of Venetian school- which was more influenced by the Byzantines then the classical Greeks. • Typified by vivid colors and movement (florence was paler and calmer) • Titan himself loved red hair

41. The Northern Renaissance- why different? • Renaissance spread more slowly outside of Italy • not as many large cities to be centers of ideas. • Feudalism hampered some new ideas • Not as much classical remains around to “inspire” • Renaissance in north centered on kings and their courts (not typical in Italy) which changed it’s focus

42. Northern Humanism • In Low countries, France, German States, and England. • Focused on writings of early Christians rather than classical age- although sought to to combine best elements of classical/christianity- stressing reason and ethics • Studied ancient texts – and applied to editing the bible. Not as secular, focus on what religion should be. • Wanted to improve society and reform the church. • Emphasized education and the power of human intellect to bring change and moral improvement. • Began to criticize scholaticism and dogma of church- leading towards reformation

43. Desidrius Erasmus 1466-1536 • Monk and professor. • Colloquies - dialogues for his students on how to speak and live well • Adages- ancient and contemporary proverbs and sayings (he was famous for his sayings) • United classical ideals of harmony and civic virtue with christian love and piety. • Edited and changed vulgate (made church made) • In Praise of folly- most widely read book, said church should worry more about praying and less about art. Wanted to reform church, not abandon it (that’s why he wrote in Latin) • First humanist to earn a living through his writing

44. Jasques leFevre d’Etables • 1454-1536 • French. Produced psalms that challenged the Vulgate (from ancient writings) Condemned for Heresy

45. Thomas More • 1478-1536- a Civic Humanist • Chancellor to Henry VIII in Eng. Wanted to use classical and Christian ideas to make a better world. • Utopia (“nowhere”- has come to mean a perfect world) everything should be held in common. Poverty creates the problems of society • Reform of social institutions that create the human world is the key to a better society • Executed by Henry VIII b/c he would not sign the Act of Supremacy

46. Francis Rabelais • 1494-1553 • Championed secular world, especially in education • Had confidence in human nature (reflecting ideas of Renaissance) • Gargantua and Pantagruel: a folk epic, comedic, satirized French society

47. Northern Art • Did more painting than sculpture • Oil paintings, engravings and woodcuts. Known for detail, bright/dark of colors, long lean figures, suffering • Fugger family(banking) important patrons of Northern art • Renaissance music developed in the North and spread south (opposite of visual arts)

48. Jan Van Eyck • 1339-1441 • Dutch (Flemish) painted with oil on wood or canvas. • Arnolfini Wedding- combo of earthiness and piety • Used a lot or religious symbolism and crazy detail

49. Albrect Durer • 1471-1528 • German who studied in Italy- blended northern and southern styles (more full figured, but lots of symbolism, good at Italian arts of perspective, proportion etc…) • Best known for copper engravings and woodcuts- did and illustrated bible as well as numerous self portraits

50. Peter Brueghal the Elder • 1520-1569 Dutch • Not very influenced by Italy- painted the lives of ordinary people (which was unusual) • Peasant Dance, Winter Hunt