RENAISSANCE
PERIOD
Objective:
By the end of this presentation, students will gain an
understanding of the Renaissance period, including its historical
context, key characteristics, prominent figures, and lasting impact
on art, literature, science, and exploration. Students will also be
encouraged to critically analyze the legacy of the Renaissance
and its relevance to the modern world.
Introduction to the Renaissance
● Definition: "Renaissance" means "rebirth" in French.
● Time Period: Roughly 14th to 17th century in Europe.
● Revival of Classical Antiquity: Referring to the renewed interest in the
art, literature, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome.
What was the Renaissance
○ Period following the middle ages
○ "Rebirth" of classical
Greece and Rome
○ 1 period to name itself and say bad
things about earlier times (Dark Ages)
○ NAMES FOR ARTISTS
○ Began in Italy
○ Moved to northern
Europe
Historical Context
Decline of the Middle Ages
PLAGUE
FEUDALISM
WARS
Rise of Humanism:
Emphasis on human potential, individualism, and secularism.
A Visual Metaphor of the Renaissance
Effects of the Renaissance
● Advances in Science & Technology led to the European
Exploration of the World
● Secularism led to the Protestant Reformation
● Humanism encouraged the growth of Democracy & the Fight for
Human Rights
● Role of Women in Society Improved
● Renaissance Art led to the Age of Classical
● Music and Art in Europe
Literature and Philosophy
Humanist Ideas: Focus on the individual, human potential, and secularism.
1. Focus on the Individual:
Humanism celebrated human agency, autonomy, and
individuality, valuing each person's inherent worth and capacity
for greatness.
2. Human Potential:
Humanists believed in the optimistic potential for intellectual,
artistic, and moral growth in individuals. They promoted
well-rounded education and the cultivation of knowledge, skills,
and virtues for self-improvement and societal contribution.
3. Secularism:
Humanist secularism prioritized worldly concerns and the
pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment in this life. It emphasized
the study of literature, philosophy, and history for understanding
human experiences, independent of religious doctrine or
authority.
Economic Foundations
○ Increased demand for
Middle Eastern products
○ Encouraged the use of credit and
banking
○ Letters of credit expanded supply
of money and sped up trade.
○ New accounting and bookkeeping
practices used Arabic numerals
Causes of the Italian Renaissance
○ Crusades
○ Control of
Mediterranean
Trade
○ Sophistication of
Italian City-States
○ Growth of Banking
& Trade
Printing Press:
Excess Wealth: de Medici family of Florence
Map of Europe during the Renaissance
Many independent city-states emerged in northern and central Italy
that played an important role in Italian politics and art.
Milan
One of the richest cities, it controls trade through the Alps.
Venice
Sitting on the Adriatic, it attracts trade from all over the world.
Florence
Controlled by the De Medici Family, who became great patrons of the
arts (AKA Bored Rich people)
Genoa
- Had Access to Trade Routes
- Had access to trade routes connecting Europe with Middle
Eastern markets
- Competition with each other
○ Served as trading centers for the distribution of goods to
northern Europe
○ Were initially independent city-states governed as republics
ITALY
● Italian city-states became rich from trade:
○ Florence
○ Venice
○ Genoa
● They were trading centers for the
distribution of good: to northern Europe.
● Independent city-states governed as
republics by wealthy merchants.
○ With the rise of trade, travel
and literacy, the Italian
Renaissance spread to
northern Europe.
○ The art and literature
changed as people of
different cultures adopted
Renaissance ideas.
Art and Architecture: Renaissance Art:
● Perspective
○ light & motion
● Study of human form
○ emotion & drama
● New subject matter> secularism
○ science & mathematics
● Composition & balance
○ changing perspective of man & his
role in the world
● Unique vision of each artist
Machiavellian Intrigue
○ Wrote The Prince
○ studied the politics of
Florence, Venice &
Rome
○ analyzed use of power,
force, & Deception
○ How to book for future
leaders
Art and Literature
● Medieval art and
literature focused on
the Church and
salvation.
● Renaissance art and
literature focused on
individuals and
worldly matters, along
with Christianity.
Famous Artists:
LEONARDO DA VINCI MICHELANGELO RAPHAEL
RAPHAEL
(1483-1520)
=
Architecture:
Revival of classical styles, emphasis on symmetry and proportion.
Pieta
Q and A
1. Who is the big 3 artist?
2. Name the painting of a girl with the famous
smile?
3. Renaissance mean ______?
4. What is the reason for the Decline of the Middle
Ages?
5. What did you like in the presentation?
