Chapter 15.2 Ideas and Art of the Renaissance

CHAPTER 15.2 IDEAS AND ART OF THE RENAISSANCE

DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANISM

• Humanism: intellectual movement focused on study of the humanities (grammar, rhetoric, poetry, philosophy, history)• Based on the study of classics of Greece and Rome

• Francesco Petrarch is father of Renaissance Humanism; revived classical Roman Latin

• Humanists focused on civic duty; using humanities to better the state

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE HUMANISM

Vernacular Literature

• Vernacular: everyday speech of a region

• Dante Alighieri writes Divine Comedy in the vernacular of Florence; later becomes Italian language•“The Latin could only have explained them to scholars; for the rest would have not understood it. Therefore, as among those who desire to understand them there are many more illiterate than learned, [it follows that the Latin would not have fulfilled this behest as well as the vulgar tongue, which is understood both by the learned and the unlearned]."

RENAISSANCE EDUCATION

• Education became more secular (less focused on religion)

• Humanist schools believe liberal studies enabled individuals to reach their full potential

• Goal to create well-rounded citizens instead of scholars

RENAISSANCE EDUCATION

Gutenberg Improves the Printing Process

•1440 CE: Johannes Gutenberg of Germany develops printing press

•allows for quick, cheap book production

• Gutenberg Bible (1455): first major book printed

• Revolutionary invention that encouraged scholarly research and public’s desire to gain knowledge

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ART

Renaissance Realism

• Painting style copied from classical (Greek and Roman) art; often religious subjects

• Painters mastered use of perspective (depth)

•Way to show three dimensions on a canvas

Architecture

• Architect Filippo Brunelleschi built churches fit for human needs; open and airy with domes and rounded columns; non-intimidating

CATHEDRAL OF FLORENCE-MAJOR LANDMARK OF THE RENAISSANCE