Hallmarks of the Renaissance
The “Isms”
What are the characteristics of the Renaissance?
The “isms”:
humanism (and classicism)
individualism
secularism
scientific naturalism
Humanism intellectual movement based on study of the classics
(classicism) humanities (liberal arts): grammar, rhetoric, poetry, ethics,
history
renewed interest in man and new view of humankind believed in human potential and glorified man’s dignity man depicted in art as the center of the world
civic humanism: application of humanist education to civil service
vs. Middle Ages – learning confined largely to Christian monasteries; subordination of humans to God; human body should be covered up, not glorified (Christian worldview)
Humanism (Classicism)
Bramante, Tempietto, San Pietro in Montorio,Rome, 1508
Humanism
Pico della Mirandola, Oration on the Dignity of Man:
“O supreme generosity of God the Father, Ohighest and most marvelous felicity of man! Tohim it is granted to have whatever he chooses,
tobe whatever he wills.”
Humanism (Classicism)
Michelangelo, David, 1504(marble statue)
Individualism
new emphasis on individual achievement
belief that the individual ought to be free to think, speak, and act for himself
vs. Middle Ages – cooperation within small communities; individual achievement subordinate to religious faith/piety (Christian worldview)
Individualism
Titian, Portrait of Emperor
Charles V atMuhlberg, 1548(oil on canvas) Renaissance portraiture
Individualism
Titian, Portrait of Empress
Isabel ofPortugal, 1548(oil on canvas) Renaissance portraiture
Individualism
Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, 1498 (fresco) each of the 12 apostles has a different, individual expression
Secularism
increasing concern with the material rather than spiritual world
material values: money/wealth, material goods, leisure time/activities
vs. Middle Ages – focus on the spiritual world/Kingdom of Heaven (Christian worldview)
Secularism
Pieter Bruegel, Peasant Dance, 1568 (oak on panel)
Secularism
Boccaccio (1313-1375), The Decameron:
“Niccolò’s son, Filippo, being a young man and a bachelor, was wont sometimes to bring thither a woman for his pleasure, and after keeping her there for a few days to escort her thence again. Now on one of these occasions it befell that he brought thither one Niccolosa, whom a vile fellow, named Mangione, kept in a house at Camaldoli as a common prostitute. And a fine piece of flesh she was, and wore fine clothes, and, for one of her sort, knew how to comport herself becomingly and talk agreeably.”
Secularism
Hans Holbein, The
Ambassadors, 1533
(oil on wood)
Scientific Naturalism
close observation and study of the natural world geometry / proportions / space / laws of perspective anatomy
realistic portrayal of natural world
vs. Middle Ages – less realistic and more stylized; focus is on representation of God rather than representation of God (Christian worldview)
Scientific Naturalism
Raphael, School of Athens, 1510 (fresco) laws of perspective
Scientific Naturalism
Leonardo da Vinci, Study of a woman’s hands, date unknown (drawing)
Leonardo da Vinci, Larynx and legs,
1510 (drawing)
Scientific Naturalism
Leonardo da Vinci,Vitruvian Man, 1492 (pen and ink) study of ideal
proportions
Scientific Naturalism
Fra Angelico, The Annunciation,
1432(tempera on wood)
Top Related