View of Man & Artistry during the Renaissance

Dear Readers,

"HUMANS. Let's talk about them." - Mr. Yarnall

What are the three hallmarks of this age?

1. Individualism.

What is individualism? Individualism stressed personality, uniqueness, genius, & the full development of one's capabilities & talents. A person's abilities were to be stretched until fully realized. The quest for glory was a central component of Renaissance individualism.

2. Humanism.

What is humanism? Humanism emphasized human beings & their achievements, interests, & capabilities - believe in yourself, you can achieve great things! Does this have anything to do with ancient times? Yes. Humanists studied Latin classics to learn what they reveal about human nature. The revival of antiquity, or times before the Middle Ages, took the form of great interest during the Renaissance, becoming known as "new learning".

3. Secularism.

What is secularism? Secularism involved a basic concern with the material world instead of with the spiritual realm, or religion. Interest in the secular world did not negate interest in the religious world, however.

Are these hallmarks intertwined? Is there a hierarchy? Individualism could probably claim the top spot as one would have to be interested in the individual & one's capabilities in order to practice the beliefs of humanism & secularism. Secularism is at the bottom as it is a byproduct of individualism & humanism. So, the order would fall as follows: individualism, humanism, & secularism.

What fits more into the intellectual hallmarks of the Renaissance: painting people more realistically or in a glorified manner?- glorified manner, certainly.

Medieval v Renaissance Artistry

Tapestry from the Middle Ages

Renaissance Painting (Botticelli's Birth of Venus)

In the Renaissance, there was a large focus on anatomy & the human individual. What was portrayed in Renaissance works of art?- biblical & mythological themes. What was a big difference in technique?- perspective, light & dark of Renaissance times, etc.

"In terms of the way most people lived & thought, no sharp division exists between the Middle Ages & the Renaissance." Most is the key word here, not everyone attained a status of wealth & power.

Not everyone was a Medici!

Were artists important at this time? There is a change. Artists were seen as average laborers, not of a very high status. In the Renaissance, however, artists were hailed as geniuses & elitists.

Don't forget: 

**Michelangelo- Sistine Chapel, sculpture of David, & Pietà

Leonardo- Mona Lisa & The Last Supper

Rafael- The Sistine Madonna & The School of Athens

Donatello- The Bronze David 

Oh, & Botticelli- Birth of Venus**

xoxo,

Nicole Flo :)