5 Things to know about the Renaissance…

1. What is the Renaissance and where did it begin? Renaissance is French word that means “rebirth.” Beginning in Florence, Italy, around the 1300’s (14th century) and

continuing into the 1600’s (17th century). There will be a “rebirth” of learning/questioning of art, science,

architecture, and religion. Italy becomes the center because of its location in the Mediterranean

Sea and closeness to other countries in Europe.

2. What do artists focus on during the Renaissance? The goal of Renaissance artists was to create art and sculpture that

seemed more realistic and lifelike. Through the use of perspective, shadowing and proportion, artists

focused on taking 2-D into 3-D. Their subjects focused on the bible and portraits because the Catholic

Church and wealthy people were their benefactors.

3. Who were some of the famous artists of the Renaissance period?

Arnolfini and wife (Jan Van Eyck) was born in present-day Holland around 1395.

Considered a master painter of light/shadow, Van Eyck also made “secret journeys” for Duke Philip of Holland.

The Ghent Alterpiece was a favorite of Adolf Hitler… Michelangelo/Leonardo da Vinci top the list of Italian artists/sculptors. David (Michelangelo) is 14ft. tall and made of white marble. The project

had been started by another sculptor who abandoned the project. 26 years old (1501) when he starts, it takes Michelangelo 3 yrs to finish. He also paints ceiling of Sistine Chapel @ the Vatican from 1508-1512… Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci) is portrait of the wife of a wealthy

Florentine merchant named Lisa del Giocondo. LDV started the painting in 1503 and never finished. It was found in his

studio after his death in 1519. The painting was stolen from the Louvre Museum in France in 1911… Storm on the Sea of Galilee (Rembrandt) shows Jesus and disciples

battling waves. Born in Holland in 1606, he is also considered a master of light/shadow. The painting was stolen from a museum in Boston and thought to be

worth around $500 MILLION!!!

Good Resources:https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/storm-on-the-sea-of-galilee/ (Rembrandt)https://www.accademia.org/explore-museum/artworks/michelangelos-david/ (Michelangelo)https://www.througheternity.com/en/blog/history/10-things-about-the-sistine-chapel.html (Sistine)https://www.solosophie.com/mona-lisa-was-stolen/ (Mona Lisa stolen)https://www.theartstory.org/artist/van-eyck-jan/life-and-legacy/ (Jan Van Eyck)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1yPxbHoHjk (2-min “masterpiece” about Storm on Sea”)

4. What invention led to problems for the Roman Catholic Church? The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) was the most powerful

organization coming into the Renaissance. The RCC had built its power through the selling of indulgences, $ paid

to the church, which allowed followers to be forgiven for certain sins. It controlled what was taught to people for centuries. The Printing Press (improved by Gutenberg in 1440’s) would make

materials available to everyone, not just the wealthy. People started thinking for themselves/questioning everything…

5. What will come out of the improvement to the printing press? Martin Luther (from Germany) will be the 1st to openly challenge RCC. 95 thesis (1517) are a list of problems/ways he wants to fix the church. He will be excommunicated from RCC; begins “Protestant Reformation” This leads Henry 8th (King of England) to break away/create Anglican

Church in 1534 (much more to come with KH8 )