The cause of Renaissance
What are the main causes of Renaissance?
The Medici Family
Crusade- The Crusades were a string of interfaith conflicts between Christians and Muslims that were largely waged to seize control of key locations revered by both faiths. Between 1096 and 1291, eight significant Crusade expeditions of different size, power, and degree of success took place.
In comparison to any previous recorded disease or conflict up to that point, the Black Death, a pandemic that ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1351, claimed a disproportionately greater number of lives. It is commonly accepted that the plague brought on by Yersinia pestis infection was what led to the Black Death.
Interaction between different countries
Arabic numerals and cutting-edge medical procedures were adopted by European culture as a result of being exposed to Islamic civilization.
The Age of Discovery and the exploration of new areas began as a result of the Crusades, which encouraged interest in travel and exploration.
The Crusades brought Europeans into contact with the Islamic world, revealing them to new designs and technologies
The Crusades compelled the Islamic world to adapt and produce fresh military doctrine and equipment.
Social upheaval: It is estimated that up to one-third of the population perished as a result of the Black Death, which also resulted in a considerable loss of life. Due to the destruction of entire towns and the upending of conventional roles and hierarchies, this had a significant impact on social systems.
Labour shortage: There was a serious labor shortage throughout Europe as a result of the high death rate. As companies fought for a small pool of labor, this increased salaries for workers. Also, it increased workers' bargaining power as they could ask for better working conditions and remuneration.
Economic changes: Additionally, the Black Death's impact on labor shortages also changed the European economy. As employers invested in new technologies and production techniques in an effort to boost productivity while salaries grew. As a result, sectors including mining and textiles saw growth.
The role of merchants
Some businessmen and bankers became quite wealthy. They had a lot of money and could afford to beautify their towns. Rich donors commissioned new construction and works of art.
The Medici family included Lorenzo the Magnificent, Piero de' Medici, Cosimo de' Medici, and Lorenzo de' Medici.
The Medici political dynasty was established by Cosimo de' Medici, who was also the first member of the family to rule Florence in an unofficial capacity. He utilized his money to build a network of associates and backers and supported many artists, such as Brunelleschi and Donatello.
Cosimo de' Medici's son, Piero, succeeded his father as the ruler of Florence. He was a weak and incompetent leader, though, and his administration was characterized by political unrest and strife.
One of the most well-known Medici family members was Lorenzo de' Medici, who was Piero de' Medici's son. He was an accomplished diplomat, politician, and patron of the arts who made a significant contribution to the Italian Renaissance. He supported a number of authors and painters, among them Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, and he contributed to Florence's rise as one of the most significant cultural hubs of the time.
Famous people during the Renaissance
Leonardo da Vinci- Although Leonardo da Vinci is most famous for his artistic creations, he was also a scientist and an inventor, making him a true Renaissance man. He is an example of how to apply the scientific method to all facets of life, including music and art.
Michelangelo- Michelangelo was an Italian sculpture. He was known for The frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (1508–12) in the Vatican, which include the iconic depiction of the creation of Adam interpreted from Genesis.
Raphael- In Urbino, where his father, Giovanni Santi, was a court painter, Raphael (Raffaello Santi), was born. He most likely started there and must have been exposed to Mantegna, Uccello, and Piero della Francesca's works at a young age. Perugino had a significant impact on many of his first paintings as well.
Role of city-states
The Renaissance benefited greatly from the richness of the Italian city-state. By supporting artists, scientists, and philosophers, wealthy families were able to advance new ideas and aesthetic movements.
Florence: Florence was where the Renaissance all started. It was ruled by the Medici family who supported and donated to artists and designs such as Leonardo Da Vinci.
Milan: Milan was still a Middle Ages city, intent on conquest of Florence and war. But in 1450, the Sforza family seized control. They established calm in the area, and the Renaissance's fresh concepts and artistic creations followed.
Venice: Venice mainly focused on importing materials such as silk and spices.Additionally, Venice controlled the seas around the east coast of Italy and was famous for its artistic glassware.
Rome: Rome's city-state and Catholic Church were both under the pope's control. Under Nicholas V's direction, extensive reconstruction of the city of Rome began in 1447. Rome started to promote the arts and commissioned works by Raphael and Michelangelo, helping to fuel the Renaissance.
Naples: Naples ruled much of southern Italy at the time of the Renaissance. This city supported artists, writers, and philosophers. It was also known for its music.
Greco-Roman Culture
Greek philosophy, especially Plato's and Aristotle's writings, had a profound influence on Western thought and helped shape the rise of Christianity and other religions.
Greek literature, which includes dramas by Sophocles and Euripides as well as epic works like the Iliad and Odyssey, is still studied and revered today.
During the Renaissance, the ancient legacy of Greco-Roman civilization was rediscovered, sparking a resurgence in interest in classical literature, art, and philosophy.
The classical inheritance of Greco-Roman culture has had a major impact on the development of Western civilization, including the development of democracy, the arts, and the sciences.
The emergence of humanism, different artistic and technological innovations
Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, literature, and art have recently attracted new interest as a result of the study of classical texts.
Humanism had a significant influence on the arts, sciences, and politics of the day by emphasizing the value of individualism, reason, and logical inquiry.
Utilizing linear perspective, chiaroscuro (the use of light and shadow), and sfumato, Renaissance artists created new methods and aesthetics. (the blending of colors).
Greater focus on realism, naturalism, and individual expression, as well as a resurgence in interest in classical themes and subjects, are characteristics of Renaissance art.
Significant technological advancements were made throughout the Renaissance as well, such as the invention of the printing press, which completely changed how knowledge and ideas were communicated.
Renaissance (Basic Information)
Before Renaissance --> Dark Age
The word "Renaissance" comes from French, it means rebirth. Renaissance is the revival of art from ancient civilisation. During the 14th century a new state of mind among artist, people promoted Renaissance and they made more people interested and study about the world.
Writers received the influence of greek ideas. This included innovation and study of the world.
The origin of Renaissance started in the city states of Italy; Florence, Venice and Milan.
How did Renaissance change humanism?
Humanism was an academic trend that emerged during the Renaissance. Humanism emphasized, among other ideas, the notion that people are the center of their own universe and should value their accomplishments in science, literature, classical art, and education.
