Download The Renaissance, 1300-1600 Essential Question 2

The Renaissance, 1300-1600
Essential Question 2:
What were the distinguishing
characteristics of the
Renaissance?
4 Distinguishing Characteristics
Humanism
Secularism
Emphasis on Art & Culture
Idea of The Renaissance Man
Defining Characteristics
1. Humanism
Focus on human/social concerns
(love, anger, joy, govt. etc.)
Emphasizes human potential &
achievement
Emphasized values /culture /learning
of ancient Greeks/Romans
Defining Characteristics
2. Secularism
Belief that comfort, pleasure,
knowledge of worldly subjects I
is not sinful
Emphasized life in the “here and
now,” less importance on
afterlife and spiritual subjects
Defining Characteristics
3. Importance of Artwork
Art as expression humanist topics & themes
a. Greek/Roman Mythology
b. Individual portraits
c. Landscapes /Nature / Science
New techniques developed
a. Perspective & shading (3-D)
b. More humanist subjects/styles
c. use of oils
Architecture
a. Copies building design of Greeks/Romans
(geometric shapes, simplicity, balance, columns,
domes)
Defining Characteristics
4.
New Types of Literature
Humanist concerns (not just Bible)
Wrote in the vernacular (local language)
Francesco Petrarch= poet/writer; sonnets to
Laura : “Father of Renaissance”
Niccolo Machiavelli= The Prince (1513)
a. Sees human behavior “as it really is”
b. Advises rulers how to control their people
c. Advocates being wise, stern, deceptive
d. “Whatever it takes” in order to achieve the
desired result
“The ends justifies the means”
Defining Characteristics
5. The “Renaissance Man”
• Ideal person is one who has a wide variety of
knowledge and skill in a wide variety of subjects
• Best Example: Leonardo da Vinci
Painter, sculptor, inventor, musician, philosopher,
scientist, writer
• Baldassare Castiglione’s The Courtier
• Be able to speak/read Latin and Greek
• Knowledge of history, poetry, science
• Easily speak on a wide variety subjects: art,
architecture, mathematics, nature, love, etc
Characteristics of the
Renaissance
Humanism – man is a wonderful creature
whose potential is limitless
Secularism - importance of worldly
knowledge and experiences
Art - artwork emphasized human themes,
realistic look, classical myths
Literature – writers concerned with human
concerns: love, anger, friendship; wrote in
vernacular
The “Renaissance Man”- knows/ does lots
of things well