The Origins of the

Renaissance

Caused by A new interest in Classical art The growth of Trade and Commerce The influence of Italian City-States The growth of Humanism

What is the Renaissance?

Means “re-birth” Stood for a rebirth of art, culture, and thinking

after the middle ages Brought about by a new interest in classical

art and writing Muslim scholars and monks preserved artifacts,

books from Greece and Rome

Vocabulary: Classical Describes the art and writing of ancient

Greece and Rome Plato Aristotle Ptolemy Etc.

Classical Features of Classical art:

Attention to lifelike anatomy Figures often draped in fabric or nude Figures shown in action or motion Faces calm, without emotion

Depict everyday life or myths, legends Little background or perspective Columns, arches, etc. Valued balance and harmony

Vocabulary: Medieval Describes art, writing, architecture from the

middle ages (Fall of Rome in AD 476 to 1400’s)

Medieval Features of Medieval art:

Most art was religious Important figures were larger than less important

ones Backgrounds were one color, usually Gold Figures appear 2-D Faces were serious, showed little feeling Bright paint colors

Vocabulary:

Renaissance Describes art, writing, architecture from the

Renaissance (1400’s – 1600’s) Michelangelo Donatello Rafael DaVinci

Renaissance Features of Renaissance art:

Showed religious and non-religious scenes

Great interest in nature Lifelike, 3-D figures, lifelike anatomy Figures nude or clothed Faces expressed emotion, thoughts Paintings were symmetrical Full backgrounds showed

perspective

Pop Quiz! Identify these artworks as Classical, Medieval, or

Renaissance, and write two reasons each.

Caused by A new interest in Classical art

The growth of Trade and Commerce

The influence of Italian City-States The growth of Humanism

Money Makes the World Go Round Because of the Crusades, new trade routes

were established. Lucky towns like Florence, Venice, and

Genoa (in Italy) became wealthyas merchants stopped to trade and stay ininns

Vocabulary: Commerce The medieval economy was

based on bartering. In the Renaissance, wealthy cities

began making their own coins, creatingcommerce, a money economy

Bankers exchanged coins from different cities and gave people (both rich and poor) loans

Vocabulary: Patron Craftspeople, merchants, and bankers

became IMPORTANT in society. They also became very RICH. With their wealth, they paid artists, architects,

sculptors, and garden designers to make their city more beautiful.

A person who supports the arts by supplying money is called a patron.

Vocabulary: City-State

Homework:

Homework:

You guys are so immature.

Pop Quiz! In Renaissance Italy, who were patrons, and what did they

do?

Caused by A new interest in Classical art The growth of Trade and Commerce

The influence of Italian City-States

The growth of Humanism

Vocabulary: State A state is a politically

organized group of people under a single government

Village Town City City-State Cities like Florence & Venice began

producing their own currency (coins), patrons began sponsoring artists

Cities developed into City-States with their own governments. Elected councils and/or

rich families

City-States competed with each other

Competition meant….

More Art!

Caused by A new interest in Classical art The growth of Trade and Commerce The influence of Italian City-States

The growth of Humanism

Medieval Thinking

The individual is only a tiny part of the system.

The individual is not important Religious topics are the only thing worth

studying.

Vocabulary:

Humanism Focused on the

rights and dignity of individuals

Studied nature, human society

Humanists fueled the Renaissance by… Studying classical art, ideas Studying, painting, imitating nature

…but some people were burnt at the stake for their ideas….