The Upper Class in the Renaissance: Food, Clothing, and Nobility
The Renaissance upper class experienced a distinct lifestyle marked by their wealth and social standing. Food varied significantly by status, with the wealthy consuming limited fresh produce and dairy deemed inferior. Their clothing, influenced by strict Sumptuary Laws, showcased extravagant materials like silk and gold while reflecting geometric designs rather than body shape. Nobles enjoyed recognition through their attire, denoting their elite status. Upper class women managed households, while men engaged in courtly affairs or estate management, leading to a lifestyle steeped in privilege and regulation.
The Upper Class in the Renaissance: Food, Clothing, and Nobility
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Presentation Transcript
Renaissance Upper Class Adam Stehley Period 1 Mrs. Dengler
Food • Food and drink was different according to one’s status and wealth. • The rich ate few fresh fruit and vegetables. • Dairy products were deemed inferior and only the poor were supposed to eat them. • The food of the upper class lacked vitamin c, calcium, and fiber. Source: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-food-and-diet.htm
Clothing • The upper class clothing was influenced more by geometric shapes than the shape of the body. • The Sumptuary Laws required for different classes to wear different clothing. Breaking these laws could result in fines, loss of property, or even execution. • Clothing made from gold fabric was only worn by women in the upper class. • Upper class clothing was made from a variety of expensive silk, velvet, satin, furs, and cottons. Source: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-upper-class-fashion.htm
Nobles • The Nobles of the Renaissance consisted of the men of the wealthiest families. • Their status would be easily recognized by the type of clothing they wore, due to the Sumptuary Laws. Source: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-nobles.htm
Other facts • Upper class women tended to stay at home. They spent most of their time tending to the household staff and children. • Men usually spent their time at court or managing their estates. • During war time, military campaigns often kept upper class men away from their homes. Source: http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/rens_02/rens_02_00136.html