ap northern renaissance

The Northern Renaissance

Brueghel's The Wedding Dance

Bell RingerThe term “humanism,” when applied to Renaissance Italy,

refers primarily to theA. renewed interest in the scientific method at many Italian

universitiesB. capitalist values advanced by leading Italian merchant bankersC. antireligious movement among leading Italian intellectualsD. scholarly interest in the study of the classical cultures of

Greece and RomeE. non-Christian themes that became prominent in Italian art

and literature

2004 AP Exam

LocationWhere: North of Italy

FranceGermanyEnglandNetherlands

Scholars went to Italy & brought back Renaissance ideals

Northern Humanism

AKA Christian Humanism

Northern humanists interpreted Italian ideals about & attitudes toward classical antiquity, individualism & humanism in terms of their own traditions

Northern Humanism – cont.

Developed program for broad social reform based on Christian idealsEthical way of life

Classical ideals of calmness, stoic patience & broad mindedness + Christian ideals of faith, hope & love

Northern Humanism – cont.

To change society, must first change humanity

Had profound faith in the power of human intellect to bring about moral & institutional reform

Human nature = fundamentally good & capable of improvement through education

Desiderius Erasmus

1466-1536

Dutch humanist

Well known all over Europe

Erasmus’ Philosophy

Two themes in all works:1. Education is the:o means to reformo Key to moral & intellectual improvement

Erasmus’ Philosophy

2. “The Philosophy of Christ”Christianity should:

show people how to live good livesnot just give a set of beliefs to

followfocus inward

In other words…Christianity (the Church) should “walk the walk”

Thomas More1478-1535

English lawyer

Ambassador to Flanders under Henry VIII

Most famous book: Utopia

Key to improvement & reform of the individual = reform social institutions that molded the individual

The Printed WordPrinting Press (w/moveable

metal type)GermanyMid-15th Century (mid-

1400s) Johan Gutenberg (Bible –

1456)

By 1480 – 110 European cities had pressesEst. 8-20 million books in

print by 1500

Impact of the Printing Press

Transformed European public & private lifeDiscussion points for peopleGave silent individuals a voiceStimulated literacy of commonersBridged gap between written & oral cultures

Closure

With your partner, list & discuss the 4 characteristics of the Italian Renaissance

Which of these characteristics applies to the Northern Renaissance? Which do not? Why?

2 minutes