Randolph Reading Flashcards
Fanciulli
Italian word meaning “children” or “youths,” often used in historical literary contexts, especially that if young boys.
Homosociality
Non-romantic, same-sex social bonds or friendships, often seen in groups or societies (e.g., male camaraderie).
Dialectic
A method of exploring ideas through debate and discussion of opposing views to find the truth.
Donatello’s David
Early Renaissance bronze sculpture of David, showing him victorious over Goliath. First free-standing nude statue of the era, symbolizing youthful strength and heroism.
Florentine Signoria
Ruling council of Florence made up of nine members from the city’s guilds, holding executive power in the Florentine Republic.
Filarete (c. 1400–1469)
Renaissance architect and sculptor, also known as Antonio di Pietro Averlino. known for his architectural treatise and work on the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan.
Ospedale Maggiore
Renaissance hospital in Milan designed by Francesco Filarete, featuring a large, symmetrical layout with a central courtyard.
Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace)
Town hall of Florence, Italy, built in the 13th century. An important example of medieval architecture, symbolizing the political power of Florence during the Renaissance.
Ponte Vecchio
Historic bridge in Florence, Italy, built in the 14th century. Known for its shops along the span and iconic views, it’s one of the city’s oldest and most famous bridges.
Giovanni Battista Gelli (c. 1498–1563)
Italian Renaissance architect and engineer known for his work on fortifications and military architecture.
Vite d’Artisti
“Lives of the Artists,” a 1550 and 1568 work by Giorgio Vasari, featuring biographies of Renaissance artists and insights into their lives and art.
Di sotto in su (dee SOH-toh een soo)
Italian term meaning “from below upwards,” describing a perspective technique in art where figures or scenes are viewed from below, creating an illusion of depth and height.
Desiderio (c. 1449–1494)
Italian Renaissance sculptor known for marble works and portrait sculptures, including the tomb of St. Dominic.
Laureate of the Signoria
Title given to individuals honored by the ruling council of Florence, the Signoria, for exceptional contributions or achievements in various fields, such as arts, science, or public service.
Burlesque
Comic and exaggerated satire that uses humor and parody to mock or critique its subject, often involving playful imitation of serious works or genres.
Burchiellesque
Style related to Francesco Burchielli’s burlesque and satirical drawings, characterized by humor and exaggeration in depicting contemporary figures and events.
Quotidian Drama
Drama that portrays everyday, routine events, highlighting the inherent drama and significance in ordinary experiences.
Sodomitical
Historical term referring to acts or behaviors considered morally or religiously improper, specifically associated with sodomy, often used in a derogatory context.
Philistine
1) Ancient people known from the Old Testament, settled in Canaan. 2) Figurative term for someone perceived as lacking culture or intellectual interests.
Bardassa
Historical Italian term for a male prostitute or someone involved in homosexual activities during the Renaissance.
Bacchanalian
Related to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine; describes wild, drunken celebrations or excessively indulgent behavior.
Medicean
Related to the powerful Medici family of Florence, known for their influence on politics, culture, and their patronage of the arts during the Renaissance.
Medici Heraldic Palle
Roundels (balls) used in heraldry, notably seen on the Medici family crest, symbolizing coins or medicinal pills, reflecting the family’s name and legacy.
Ephebe
A young man or adolescent boy, especially in ancient Greece, undergoing military or civic training as part of his transition to adulthood.
Lorenzo de’ Medici (1449–1492)
Italian statesman and ruler of Florence, known as Lorenzo the Magnificent. A key patron of the arts, he helped Florence become a center of Renaissance culture, supporting artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Angelo Poliziano (1454–1494)
Italian classical scholar, poet, and tutor to Lorenzo de’ Medici’s children (friend of Lorenzo). He was instrumental in the revival of classical literature during the Renaissance and known for his poetry and translations of Greek and Roman texts.