The Renaissance was a period of "rebirth" that started in Europe following the Middle Ages. This time-period was characterized by an escalation in the interest of classical themes and the representation of human potential or humanism. The surge of classics can be seen in the art of the time, which often depicted both Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. The new artistic conventions were significantly distinct from those of the Middle Ages, which frequently depicted human figures as flat and…
During the European Renaissance, a number of important trade routes ran through Italy resulting in a web of thriving commercial sectors. Italy’s prominence as a cultural center during the Renaissance contributed to a number of these sectors. In the north of Italy, the lucrative textile industry needed a mechanism to support the import of raw materials and export of finished cloth. Wealthy textile merchants like the Medici family filled the need by investing their already large wealth into…
Following the Renaissance and rise of humanism in Europe was the Scientific Revolution in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. While the Church was still reaffirming its power after its major struggle during the Protestant Reformation, people began to look for other paths of explanation that diverged from the divine. An elite appreciation for science and mathematics fueled this movement, but the scientific discoveries that sprung forth were closely monitored by those in power, namely the…
The Renaissance took root in Italy in the 14th century and spread north, bringing with it a renewed interest in classical values as people rediscovered the ancient Greek and Roman literature and art that the Middle Ages forgot. Use of the feudal system declined in favor of monarchies, oligarchies, and parliaments, and the Roman Catholic Pope had less influence on politics. Niccolò Machiavelli’s 1532 The Prince separated political theory and religion as Machiavelli described a successful ruler as…
Thesis: Early Northern Renaissance and later Northern Renaissance differences are subtle, but can be observed through the layers of symbolism and emphasis on particular ascetics of a piece. Throughout the all of Europe, depictions of the Virgin and Child was a common motif among artists. This essay will be exploring the similarities and the differences of the symbolism these two artists and the exact same subject. Acting as the focal point of my thesis is Jacque Bellange’s etching Madonna with…
Starting around the 1500s, the High Renaissance was a blossoming time for art in Italy. High Renaissance artists were, more often than not, highly skilled in many different fields (italian-renaissance-art). Leonardo da Vinci was a guru when it came to sciences and Michelangelo was an immaculately gifted poet, painter and sculptor. The third member of the trio who is considered to have a great contribution to the magnificent examples of High Renaissance art is none other than the talented artist…
central Europe, one of the most influential, and significant time periods in history, The Renaissance, occurred. During this time there were spikes of interest in art, science, writing and poetry, and religion. While many of these interests were significant, the biggest changes were made in the aspects of religion, artistic and scientific, and poetic advancements. Many pioneers were recognized during the Renaissance. A few of the biggest influencers were Martin Luther, John Calvin, and King…
Multiple ideas flourished during the European Renaissance which had a strong impact on the world. The Renaissance, occurred in Northern Italy after the Black Plague in 1300s, and was one of the largest periods of growth and development in Western Europe. To understand Humanism, one must first know what Humanism means. Humanism is a world view and a moral philosophy that considers and is centered on human interests or values and stresses on individual’s dignity and worth and capacity for…
Age of Renaissance. The Renaissance was a rebirth of many cultural aspects that were thought to have been lost to the ever changing world. The Renaissance originated in Europe during the 14th century in Italy. This new age brought about many great changes in Italian intellectual, artistic, and even cultural life. Even though the Renaissance began in the 14th century, it wasn’t given an official title until the 16th century. A man named Giorgio Vasari was the first to give the Renaissance its…
Why were blacks valued in Renaissance society? What roles did they play in the economic and social life of the times? Black servants were highly valued in Renaissance society because they were very rare and having one was a symbol of wealth and to show them off some Nobles would have them in their portraits to display their wealth. They also had…