Italian Renaissance

The Italian Renaissance

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Renaissance: origins

The Renaissance is a historical period that begins in the 14th century (the 1300's) in Florence, Italy. The term Renaissance means "rebirth" and referred to the return of a deep interest in art, literature, and humanism. This interest was claimed to be lost during the Middle Ages (a claim which is contested), therefore the Renaissance was inspired by ancient Greece and ancient Rome.

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Caption: : "The School of Athens" - Raphael

Ideals of the Renaissance

New World View:  There was a reawakened interest in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. Thinkers of the Renaissance shifted from the medieval focus on religion and spirituality, towards the richness and variety of human experience (Esler, 2014; 48).   Spirit of Adventure: The Renaissance look to promote adventure, this gave way to a period of European exploration and colonialism.   Expressing Humanism: The intellectual movement known as "humanism" was at the center of the Renaissance. Humanism believed that education was central to a person's development, this was important because humanism is centered on human action and ability.

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City-States and Italy

During the Renaissance, as a way to organize political life other than Kingdoms, Italy had what was known as City-States. These political organizations had already existed for centuries, but it was with the Renaissance that they became prominent political actors.   These City-States were controlled by powerful families, being the Medici family one of the best-known families of the Renaissance. They had control of the city-state of Florence which would become the most important city-state for the birth of the Renaissance.   The Medici family was one of the richest merchant and banker families in  Europe, their interest in the arts and the ideals of the Renaissance gave way to transforming Florence into one of the   

City-States and Italy

Italian City States 1494 Lg (image/jpeg)

Caption: : City-states of Italy

City States were independent regions that took the form of cities, they were an alternative to kingdoms and were run by powerful families. Instead of prioritizing the religious and political aspects of life, they prioritized the economic and cultural aspects.   Italian city-states: Florence Milan Venice Rome Naples

Art during the Italian Renaissance