Renaissance Terms and People Flashcards
Renaissance
A period of cultural and artistic flourishing that occurred roughly between 1350-1550. Period of recovery and rebirth from the disastrous late Middle Ages, began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe, renewal of Greco-Roman culture, development of humanistic and individualistic ideals inspired by Greek and Roman philosophy and art
Humanism
Intellectual movement based on the study of Greece and Roman texts. Emphasized the importance of studia humanitas (philosophy, literature, history, etc.) and secularism and individualism. Teachers taught humanities in universities and secretaries served in the chancelleries of Italian city-states
Individualism
People are important and can study and understand the world
Secularism
Less God, as people began to show more interest in human achievements and possibilitites
Christian Humanism
Applied humanism to Christianity, used the principles of classical learning to focus on biblical study
Patronage
To support someone generally financially, as usually an artist or scholar. Medici family was a patron of the arts in Florence, Italy; Church started to be a patron also
Naturalism
a style and theory of representation based on the accurate depiction of detail. It began in the early Renaissance and continued to develop throughout the whole period. Artists who used this technique include Giotto, da Vinci and Michelangelo
Wars of the Roses
Series of bloody civil wars for the throne of England between the House of York (who did not have the throne in the beginning) and the House of Lancaster (who did have the throne in the beginning). Took place between 1455-1485. It ended when Lancastrian Henry Tudor defeated Richard III, when he then married Elizabeth of York to reconcile the long feud between the two houses, giving rise to the Tudor Dynasty
Court of the Star Chamber
During Renaissance, they were a judicial body separate from the king’s council. Purpose: to hear cases on direct appeals. Disadvantage: they had so much power that was not balanced nor checked. End: Long Parliament abolished the Star Chamber in 1641.
Realism
Sought to depict human figures realistically; artists used models; inspired by Greek and Roman art
Inquisition
A powerful office set up from the Catholic Church whose goal was to combat heresy. Main idea: severe torture and persecution of Jews and Muslims. Spanish Inquisition was the most dominant force
Perspective
Use of linear perspective- realistically depicting 3D scenes in 2D. Emerged during the Renaissance, helped artist achieve realism
Chiaroscuro
Use of dark and light colors to create the illusion of depth
Sfumato
A technique of blurring and softening sharp outlines
Printing press
Movable type printing introduced the era of mass communication by Johannes Gutenberg. During Renaissance, this meant easy and accessible remakes of classical literature that had been “rediscovered”
Niccolo Machiavelli
Florentine diplomat, wrote “the Prince” for Lorenzo de Medici as an advice manual. Argued that in order to maintain power it was important to acquire political power and that a prince must have a good grasp on the human nature and rule accordingly. Contrasted prior beliefs that were based on Christian moral principles
Lorenzo de Medici
Ruler of Florentine with his brother from 1469-1478 until his brother’s assassination. The people liked him, so he ruled alone from 1478-1492. He was a patron of the arts, patronizing artists such as Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci
Johan Gutenberg
German blacksmith credited with inventing the movable type printing press. Considered one of the most important inventions of the modern era since it impacted the spread of knowledge
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola
Renaissance humanist philosopher. Wrote the “Oration on the Dignity of Man”, nicknamed “The Manifesto of the Renaissance”. Believed that free will can make men into divine beings or evil beings
Alberti
Italian author and sculptor, wrote first general treatise on the laws of perspective (de pictura). Employed by Pope Nicholas V to help restore the papal palace and the Roman aqueduct. He only designed two buildings entirely by himself
Baldassare Castiglione
Primarily known as the Italian diplomat who wrote “The Book of the Courtier”, which became a book of etiquette for the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy. Helped spread Italian humanism- a well-rounded citizen- helped spread throughout western Europe as tools of self-advancement
Desiderius Erasmus
Wrote satirical works like “The Praise of Folly”. He liked humanist beliefs, such as one’s ability to self-improve, and applied it religiously. His books were put on the Index of Forbidden Books by the Catholic Church, but during the Enlightenment his ideas had a revival. Believed that faith is the only thing to gain kindness (pietas)
Ferdinand/Isabella
Their marriage united the two most powerful kingdoms in Spain. Sponsored Christopher Columbus’ expedition across the Atlantic in 1492 to find a new route to Asia. They revived the Inquisition to unite the Spanish people under one religion (Christianity) and make them loyal subjects. They also ordered the Moors (Muslims and Jews) to convert or leave, so many fled
Northern artists
Often made oil paintings, and Germans liked wood sculpture. Jan van Eyck, Stephen Lochner, Veit Stoss
