Unit Two – Modern World History

RENAISSANCE & REFORMATION

Goals

Define and identify key elements of Humanism.

List the three artistic “giants” associated with the Italian Renaissance.

Humanism: A Change in Education What was Renaissance Humanism?

Intellectual movement based on the study of ancient Greek & Roman writings Today we call these subjects “humanities” Seen as a challenge to Catholic Church, who

traditionally condemned “pagan” writings Petrarch called “Father of Italian

Renaissance Humanism” Started the search for lost monastic

translations of classical manuscripts Encouraged use of classical Latin language

New emphasis on self-improvement Merchant families had money to spend on

education for themselves and their children

How is Humanism an example of the secularism and individualism of the Renaissance?

Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, c. 1487

Education

Renaissance humanists believed that education could dramatically change human beings. (self improvement) Wrote books Opened schools

Liberal Studies thought of as key to reaching full potential (today Liberal Arts) History, philosophy, mathematics, music, ect.

Also believed physical education was important “Sound mind in a sound body”

Renaissance Art: A Change in Values

Renaissance society embraced artists Traditionally artists were equal

in status to craftsmen, tough to make a living

Wealth of Renaissance created demand for finer things, like exquisite works of art Artists competed for

commissions, aspired to fame and greatness, level of skill unpatrolled

Term “artist” became synonymous with “genius”Raphael’s Transfiguration, c. 1516

Renaissance Art: A Change in Values

New techniques created masterpieces Light, shadow, detail & perspective

Allowed for flat paintings to look lifelike (3D)

Artists strived to capture ideal human beauty

Fresco: painting murals on fresh plaster Religious & classical subjects very

popular

Sculpture and Architecture

Advances in Sculpture and Architecture during Renaissance matched achievements of painters.

High Renaissance Associated with three artists

DaVinci Raphael Michelangelo

Renaissance Masterpieces to Know:

Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, 1495-1498

Renaissance Masterpieces to Know:

Michelangelo’s David, 1501-1504

Renaissance Masterpieces to Know:

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, c. 1505

Renaissance Masterpieces to Know:

Raphael's School of Athens, 1510-1511

Renaissance Masterpieces to Know:

Michelangelo’s Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, 1508-1512