West civ Flashcards
Explain what the Renaissance was about
It was a period of intellectual revolution. The reawaking rebirth and renewal and revival of greco-roman or classical learning.
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Humanism was a central intellectual movement of the Renaissance that focused on studying classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome. Humanists emphasized the importance of human experience, individualism, and the potential for human achievement. They sought to reconcile classical philosophy and literature with Christian teachings.
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Printing Press: Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, the printing press played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge. The mass production of books made literature and ideas more accessible, fostering the dissemination of new scientific, philosophical, and artistic concepts.
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Artistic Achievements: The Renaissance produced some of the most celebrated works of art in history. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli created masterpieces that reflected a renewed interest in classical aesthetics, realism, and perspective. Techniques like chiaroscuro (light and shadow) and linear perspective became prominent.
da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci created some of the most iconic paintings of the Renaissance, including the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper.” His innovative techniques, such as sfumato (blurring of lines), chiaroscuro (use of light and shadow), and realistic depiction of anatomy, profoundly impacted the art world.
Da Vinci pt 2
Da Vinci conducted detailed anatomical studies, producing numerous human body sketches. His dissections and observations advanced his understanding of muscles, organs, and the circulatory system.
Da Vinci sketched numerous designs for inventions and machines, ranging from flying machines and helicopters to war machines. While many of these designs were never built, they showcased his imaginative thinking and engineering prowess.
Raphael
Raphael’s early career was marked by his skill in painting Madonnas and other religious subjects. His works, such as the “Sistine Madonna,” demonstrated a harmonious blend of classical beauty, grace, and religious sentiment.
One of Raphael’s most famous works, “The School of Athens,” is a fresco in the Vatican. It captures a gathering of great philosophers and thinkers from classical antiquity, symbolizing the harmonious synthesis of classical philosophy and Christian theology during the Renaissance.
Donatello
Donatello created two notable sculptures of David. The first, “David” (c. 1408), is considered one of his early masterpieces. It reflects a more Gothic style, with a young, graceful David. The second, “David” (c. 1440s), marks a departure from the Gothic style and is a more classical representation of the biblical hero. This work is considered one of the first freestanding nude sculptures of the Renaissance.
