Renaissance 1300-1600 A.D.

Florence, Italy

The term “renaissance” is a French word meaning “rebirth” and is used to describe the rebirth of
interest in the culture of Classical Greece and Rome. When you see the word “classicism” it is referring
to this idea that the Greeks and Romans had achieved a level of perfection in their art, politics, and
writings.

It was the hope of educated men and women of this time to bring this Classic culture back to life. But
these thinkers also began something brand new – new ideas, new values, and new ways of thinking.

On your organizer, under the term Renaissance, write the definition of the term. (Answer: rebirth)

The Renaissance began in Italy. Italy had three advantages that made it the birthplace of the
Renaissance: prosperous cities, a social class of wealthy merchants, and the heritage of classical Rome.
Historians mark the Renaissance as lasting between 1300 and 1600 CE [AD]. During this period, works of
art, literature, history and philosophy were created. These fields of study became known as the
“humanities.”

As scholars were reading classical texts and were influenced by classical ideas, they began to develop
their own new world outlook.
One of these new ideas was the belief in “humanism.” This was a method of learning that focused on
the potential of human beings to achieve great things. Humanists taught that scholars should read texts
in Greek and they should read texts from all over the world. They emphasized history and literature as
important subjects. Humanists encouraged artists and architects to use classical traditions. A humanist
education placed great importance on individuals.

This led to the important concept of “individualism.” Renaissance scholars believed that the
study and expression of a person’s experiences were just as important as a person’s knowledge. This is
seen in more and more portraits of individuals being painted.

The best way to share a person’s ideas is to write in one’s own language. Writing in the language of
ordinary people of a region is called the “vernacular.”

Write this definition in the “other information” box on the graphic organizer. Notice that writing in the
vernacular is different than what was typically done in the Medieval Ages where most writing was in
Latin.

In the Middle Ages, it was thought that to demonstrate how religious one was , one had to wear simple
clothes and eat plain food with the idea that one shouldn’t worry about enjoying life here on earth
because the reward would be when we reached Heaven.

It was also thought that the most valued occupation was to be a priest or a nun.

Humanists now suggested that it was possible to enjoy life here on earth as well as be very religious. In
Italy, the wealthy social classes, often merchants, began to buy more luxuries and enjoy music, art, and
fine food. This helped the economy by creating more work for artists and artisans. Even though most
people were still very religious and Catholic, the spirit became more worldly, or secular. Look at the
painting on this slide – where do you see secular items?

On your organizer, write the term secularism in the last empty bubble and its definition underneath the

Even the Popes became more secular. They lived a lavish lifestyle with expensive clothes and beautiful
mansions. Church leaders spent huge amounts of money on art as did other wealthy members of
society.

They became “patrons” or people who give money to support artists. They did this by paying for
portraits to show in their homes, by building churches for cities, and by donating important sculptures
to be displayed in city squares – all to show how important they were.

Petrarch is an example of a secular poet and writer. He wrote many poems about his love for a girl
named Laura. He wrote in his native language of Italian (vernacular), and shared his feelings about a
subject matter that was worldly, not religious.

Humanism, individualism, and secularism – these ideas are illustrated in Renaissance art. During the
Renaissance, paintings, portraits, frescoes (painting on plaster walls or ceilings) and sculptures were
common.

Renaissance art is filled with examples of the human body. Not like the flat, 2 dimensional
representation of earlier art, but 3 dimensional art that showed people as alive, active, energetic.
There are hundreds of examples of this type of art but the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is one very
famous example. Notice the woman’s expression, it is unique. Look at how detailed her dress is and how
she seems full of life and energy.

But it wasn’t just art and education where we see Renaissance ideals. In politics, thinkers like
Machiavelli wrote works that caused people to change their view of government.

Instead of Church-dominated rule, Machiavelli encouraged the secular rulers and princes to be
independent. His most famous work is The Prince, where he teaches a ruler on the most effective way to
rule his people. He gives advice on how to get power, increase power, and keep power. His advice was
to go beyond what was “right” and focus on what was “effective.” In other words, we shouldn’t judge a
government on how moral it was but on how well it provided security and safety to the people. This
was the first time that someone wrote that ruling was a science – it could be learned and practiced. This
became the new field of study called Political Science.

Many of these Renaissance beliefs and values can be seen in the example of the Medici family. The
Medici’s made their fortune in banking in Florence, Italy.

They were patrons of the arts and supported many artists, writers and scientists.

Three popes were also from the Medici family.

The Renaissance was filled with important individuals – whether they be writers, artists, or rulers,
people of the Renaissance all showed the importance of emphasizing individualism, humanism, and
secularism.