Ideas and Art of the Renaissance

Humanism

• Based on the study of the classic literary works of ancient Greece and Rome.

• Studied– Grammar, rhetoric, poetry, philosophy, and history• “Humanities”

• Petrarch- searched for classic Latin scriptures.

Vernacular Literature

• Some chose NOT to write in Classical Latin.• Dante:– Devine Comedy – Story of the soul’s journey to

salvation.– Written in Italian Vernacular

• Chaucer:– The Canterbury Tales – 29 short tales describing

pilgrimages to the tomb of St. Thomas a Becket.– Written in English Vernacular

Vernacular Literature

• Christine de Pizan:– The Book of the City of Ladies - written in defense

of claims that women are unable to learn.– Written in French Vernacular

Education

• Humanists believed: “Education could change people.” which it did.

• We still use Humanist views and terminology in todays education:– Humanities– Liberal Arts

Liberal Studies

• Core of Schools

• Enabled people to reach full potential.

• Allows people to follow a “Path of virtue and wisdom.”

• What were they?– History– Philosophy– Poetry– Grammar– Math– Music– Astronomy– Rhetoric

Humanist Physical Education

• Men– Javelin– Archery– Dance– Wrestling– Hunting– Ran/Swam

• Women in Humanist Schools– Read Classics– Some History– Poetry

• Physical Education– Ride Horses– Dance– Sing

New Painting Techniques

• Fresco – Painting done on a fresh, wet plaster with water-based paints.– Masaccio painted the first fresco masterpieces.• Gave depth to seem realistic

• Florentine painters used laws of perspective and outdoor space and light through geometry.

Sculpture

• Donatello studied statuesof Greeks and Romans.– Masterpiece – Statue of Saint George.– Lifelike sculptures

Architecture

• Filippo Brunelleschi – inspired by buildings of classical Rome– Columns , Rounded Arches– Made for human needs not divine needs

High Renaissance Masters

• 1490 – 1520: associated with Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo

• da Vinci: mastered art of realistic painting but wanted to capture perfection of nature.

• Raphael: One of Italy’s best painters. – Painted the Vatican Palace.

• Michelangelo: Painter, Sculptor and Architect. – Painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

With a partner

• Answer the following. – How was humanism reflected in the works of

Renaissance artists?• Art became more human-centered and reflected the

influence of ancient Greek and Roman styles.– Why was Jan van Eyck’s use of oil paint significant?• It made possible a wide variety of colors, enabling him

to create realism in fine detail.

Answer in notebook• Explain how a humanist education prepared a student for

life?– Helped students reach full potential, follow path of virtue and

wisdom and persuade others to do the same. It also provided them with leadership skills.

• What literary format did Chaucer use to portray English society?– Collection of stories told by a group of 29 pilgrims.

• Name three Italian artists of the High Renaissance, include what form of art they are known for.– da Vinci: everything– Michelangelo : painter, sculpture, and architect– Raphael: Painter