Key topics flash cards
What were the cultural conditions in western Europe c.1400?
-In Europe, the Black Death claimed 25 million lives – wiping out one third of the European population
-Italian city states, important centers of trade and commerce, which allowed for the accumulation of wealth of the merchant class.
-Rediscovery of classical texts, such as Plato, Aristotle and Cicero, influenced new ideas and philosophies in the Renaissance.
-Invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th. Allowed knowledge to be more widely spread.
-Decline of medieval feudal systems and rise in centralized monarchies and nation-states. led to stability and prosperity allowed for the patronage of the arts and sciences, which led to the development of new ideas and innovations.
what were the social origins and causes of the Renaissance?
-Population growth (European population 1300 was 73 million)
-Increased interaction between different cultures and societies in the time before and during the start of the Renaissance. Medieval culture was rigid due to its features of Feudalism and devout christianity, it was not a society open to change.
-Europe experienced a shift in worldview and perspective. This shift was caused by new ideas, views and beliefs that Europe was exposed to in the centuries before the start of the Renaissance.
- crusades were a major event in the Middle Ages. Impact of the crusades was that it increased interaction between different societies and groups of people.
-Caused the religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam to clash.
-Plague. People did not understand the spread of disease, thought it was Gods will, some people to question the authority of the Catholic Church and allowed for new ideas and change to enter into European society.
source:
https://www.historycrunch.com/causes-of-the-renaissance.html#/
what were the economic origins and causes of the Renaissance?
-vast trade networks across Europe, Asia and Africa (Eg. Silk road) led to increased interaction between different societies which caused not only an exchange of goods, but also an exchange of people, beliefs, ideas and values.
-For example, mathematicians from the Middle East used knowledge from eastern areas such as India to refine and improve mathematics.
what were the cultural origins and causes of the Renaissance?
-Rediscovery of ancient texts. Old ideas and philosophies such as those of Plato, Aristotle, Dante and Cicero were rediscovered.
-Petrarch (father of the Renaissance humanist movement) rediscovered Cicero, Roman philosopher.
-Humanists believed the ideas and philosophies of ancient greek/roman to be superior to those present in 14th century. Began promoting them as the new norms/values in society.
-Renaissance, European artists were inspired to create paintings and sculptures that focused more on the realities of everyday life and real people, due to the influence of humanism that helped spark the Renaissance.
what were the Political origins and causes of the Renaissance?
-Humanism encouraged promoted the idea that citizens should be educated in humanist topics in order to allow them to participate in the social and political life of their society.
-Shift from feudal systems to more democratic forms of leadership.
- Many people migrated out of certain areas when the plague spread and as a result, all of Europe was thrown into an upheaval. This ultimately shifted the balance of power and wealth in European societies and helped bring about the dominance of several city-states in Italy, which is where the Renaissance first began.
‘The art and culture of the High Renaissance was different from anything else in the period c1400-c1600.’ How far do you agree?
Intro:
-High renaissance: 1490-1527.
-Emergence of an incredible group of artists.
-Unprecedented in technical skill, intellectual depth and emotional power.
-Art+ culture of HR, unique:
-fusion of classical and Christian themes.
-Emphasis on humanism + individualism.
-New techniques and materials.
Para 1:
-Firstly…
- unique in their fusion of classical and Christian themes.
- renewed interest in the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome.
-Deepening of Christian spirituality.
-da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael: combined 2 traditions, works of art that were profoundly Christian and classic in style and subject matter.
Para 2:
-E.g. Michelangelo’s David, 1504.
-Perfect Fusion, David = biblical hero, classical tradition, idealized beauty and use of contrapposto (weight-shifted pose that gives the figure a sense of dynamism and movement).
-Leonardos last supper: 1495-1498, Christian symbolism and classical composition, use of linear perspective (high renaissance technique), and meticulous attention to detail.
Para 3:
-Secondly…
- The art and culture of the High Renaissance were unique in their emphasis on humanism and individualism.
- renewed interest: study of human anatomy, psychology, and philosophy, growing emphasis on the individual as the center of the universe.
-More realistic, emotional + psychologically complex art, than anything before.
Para 4:
-E.g.
-Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, 1503-1506.
-Masterpiece of human portraiture.
-More than a portrait – study of human emotion, psychology, personality.
-Mona’s smile – subject of much debate and interpretation seen by people as a sign of happiness, sadness, or even deception.
Para 5:
-thirdly…
- art and culture of the High Renaissance were unique in their use of new techniques and materials.
-Devlopment new painting techniques:
-sfumato (soft, hazy edges to create sense of atmosphere and depth.)
-Chiaroscuro (light and dark – create a sense of drama and emotion.)
-new materials: oil paint and canvas – more durable, expressive and complex than ever before.
Para 6:
-Raphaels ‘school of Athens’ - 1509 –1511.
-masterpiece of chiaroscuro + perspective.
- philosophers and scientists gathered in a grand hall, with each figure meticulously rendered in three dimensions.
-light and shadow gives depth and atmosphere.
-Grandeur of setting, intellectual complexity of figure makes it a masterpiece of high Renaissance art.
How important was civic and private patronage in the development of Renaissance’s art and culture?
Intro:
-Renaissance: huge increase in artistic and cultural production.
-Significant transformation in art, literature, architecture + science.
-Rise of Renaissance, several factors, including civic and private patronage.
Para 1:
-Patronage – crucial role – art and culture.
-Civic patronage – support from local government/ruling classes.
-Private patronage - wealthy individuals, merchants, bankers, nobels.
-both essential.
Para 2:
-One reason…
-financial support patronage provided.
-Artists relied on patronage to fund work.
-Patrons enabled them to create their masterpieces.
-Michelangelo – Financed by Medici family, wealthy patrons, Florence, Italy.
Para 3:
-Moreover…
-Provided artists opportunities to showcase their work.
-E.g., many Civic buildings: churches, palaces, centers, decorated with commissioned art work by local governments.
-Private Patrons – work for homes, personal collections, gifts etc.
-Artist chance to demonstrate talents + gain recognition.
Para 4:
-Patronage helped create culture of artistic + intellectual exchange.
-Patrons hosted gatherings – artists, intellectuals and other members of society brought together.
-opportunities for exchange of ideas, create culture of creativity and intellectualism.
Para 5:
-Furthermore…
-Patronage helped establish system of apprenticeship for aspiring artists.
-Provided means to pass on skills + knowledge to next gen – ensuring continued development of art and culture.
Conclusion:
-Critical to development of art and culture.
-Financial support, opportunities to showcase, creation of cultural and artistic intellectual exchange, system of apprenticeship – flourishing cultural and artistic expression.
-Without patronage, the art and culture of this period would not be possible.
