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