Chapter 1 notes Flashcards
When was the renaissance in italy?
1350-1550 : from petrarch to vasari. early renaissance : 1420-1500 (end of medici rule in florence). high renaissance : 1494-1527 (sack of rome). Late renaissance, mannerism : 1520-1600.
Why did the renaissance start in Italy?
Autonomous city-states in italy, most urbanized region in europe. Art was commissioned by nobility, bankers, guilds, etc. Patronage draws artists to cities. Competition and consumer society stimulate innovation and quality. Wealthy class of people with resources and motivation to shape/create a new culture (florence and medici family).
Why was the early renaissance inspired by antiquity?
heirs of rome were imitating civic public life and sporored public art. proximity of ancient remnants. great art = great society.
How was the renaissance visible in architecture?
copying ancient architectural styles and themes, new idiom ´all antica´, emphasis on symmetry proportion, geometry and logical constructions.
How did new classes gain power in the renaissance in italy?
black death killed 30 to 60 percent of european population, demand for labor, minimal inflation, rising wages, wider prosperity among classes, new classes gained entry to power (merchants, mercenaries).
How did humanism emerge?
study of original antique texts in critical manner, study of the humanities, imitation of classic authors, use of words views on art and life, importance of style. In the middle ages there was a theocratic worldview, in the renaissance an anthropocentric worldview. Towards individualism, perfect breeding ground in italy.
Name some humanists.
petrarch, alberti, pico della mirandola, vasari, castiglione, cellini.
What are the humanists ideas in arts and culture?
observe and study gods creation, make a better world. create a better world through beauty. more diverse content : biblical and secular themes and subjects. shift in the way artists and their persona were approached. cult of the genius.
which 3 major things happened in the early renaissance?
secularization of political and religious authority, new ways to legitimize power : patronage of the arts, influence humanists : increased sponsorship of the arts.
what larger variety of words did the humanists discover?
forma : beauty of the face, pulchritudo : beauty of the body, venustats : female beauty, dignitas : male beauty, decus : inner beauty.
What are guilds?
Real emergence ca. 1200, in cities (employer organizations), each practice had its own guild. Artists were also part of a guild (guild of saint luke).
what were the characteristics of the guilds in the middle ages?
education, exams, quality standard, solid group, family ties, number of practioners per city, number of workhours per day, organization of workshop, price setting, control competition.
Name the pros and cons of guilds.
pros : control of competition, security, good quality, reasonable prices. cons : competition, experimentation and innovation considered threatening, over-protection, limited exchange of ideas.
who were the commissioners of the guilds?
churches, monasteries, and abbeys. courts and wealthy citizens.
what happened to guilds in the renaissance?
artists started leaving guilds and became part of courts, working directly for secular or religious patrons.
