The Renaissance 1300 1650 1 The Renaissance in

The Renaissance 1300 -1650

1 The Renaissance in Italy Objectives: 1. Why were the Italian city-states a favorable setting for a cultural rebirth? 2. What was the Renaissance? 3. What themes and techniques did Renaissance artists and writers explore?

life in the City-States • Social structure was not based around manor life, but city-life and trade • Guilds- groups where members are involved in the same trade; Metalworkers, merchants, bakers, etc. • As guilds became more powerful, they wanted a greater say in politics and government, the Popolo, or organization of guilds fought for rights • Raised status of the “Common Man” to “Citizen”

Commercial Success – The “Merchant Princes” • Money Translated into cultural and political power • These were individuals and families who had become wealthy through trade. • They had a respect for human achievement and a commitment to public good. • Medici Family at the center of Italian Renaissance • Cosimo de’ Medici consolidated power in 1434 A. D. • Grandson, Lorenzo de’ Medici became patron – or financial supporter of the arts

The Medici Family • Cosimo-spent part of his wealth on charitable acts, lived simply, and cultivated literature and the arts. Amassed the largest library in Europe, brought in many Greek sources. • He was a patron of many artists including the great master Donatello. • Florence became the cultural center of Europe and the center of the new Humanism. • Lorenzo The Magnificent, " as he was called by the people of Florence, was a statesman, ruler, and patron of the arts. • Lorenzo ruled Florence with his younger brother, Giuliano, from 1469 to 1478. • He contributed more than anyone to the Florentine art, supporting such Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Videos • The Medicis- Godfathers of the Renaissance https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=GOAVRc. I 6 m. FU&list= PL 6 ofor. B 7 ir 5 Jn. S 2 w. IJl. MYix. C 5 r. Wlzqt. ET School of Life https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=f. I 1 Oe. Mmw. Yj. U PBShttp: //www. pbs. org/empires/medici/timeline/turning_fla. html