The Italian Renaissance C15, S1 pp An Era of Awakening Renaissance (rebirth) a philosophical & artistic movement Marked by a renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman literature and life New emphasis on the power of human reason developed Many advancements in the arts and sciences An Era of Awakening (cont) Causes Trade encouraged curiosity Search for knowledge Italian cities grew rich Medici Family (Med- ee-chee) - used wealth to become a great patron of the arts The Humanities 1300s - Italian scholars turned to classical Greek & Roman literature to study grammar, history, poetry, and rhetoric Humanism- a critical approach to learning; verify through investigation Humanist Influence Renaissance Thought Education Important, critical approach Should lead a Meaningful life Belief in human dignity Supporting the arts Admiration for Individual achievement Italian Renaissance Writers Francesco Petrarch (Pee-trhrk) Scholar & teacher who wrote poetry Importance on leading a full and active life on earth Niccolo Machiavelli ( ) - wrote The Prince Much safer for a leader to be feared than loved Italian Renaissance Art Art created realistic scenes & images Depicted lifelike human figures Used perspective- made distant objects smaller than those in the foreground Combined religious themes with humanistic values Italian Artists Leonardo Da Vinci - architect, engineer, painter, sculptor, & scientist Last Supper, Mona Lisa Michelangelo - painter Sistine Chapel, sculpture of David