Renaissance art literature and science

Document 1-All must read this. The Renaissance was a period of time from the 14th to the 17th century in Europe. This era bridged the time between the Middle Agesand modern times. The word "Renaissance" means "rebirth". Coming out of the DarkThe Middle Ages began with the fall of the Roman Empire. Much of the advances in science, art, and government that had been made by the Greeks and Romans were lost during this time. Part of the Middle Ages is actually called the Dark Ages because so much of what was learned earlier was lost. The Renaissance was a time of "coming out of the dark". It was a rebirth of education, science, art, literature, music, and a better life for people in general. A Cultural MovementA big part of the Renaissance was a cultural movement called humanism. Humanism was a philosophy that all people should strive to be educated and learned in the classical arts, literature, and science. It looked for realism and human emotion in art. It also said that it was okay for people to pursue comfort, riches, and beauty. The Mona Lisa -perhaps the world's most famous painting -was painted during the RenaissanceIt began in ItalyThe Renaissance started in Florence, Italyand spread to other city-states in Italy. Part of the reason it began in Italy was because of the history of Rome and the Roman Empire. Another reason it began in Italy was because Italy had become very wealthy and the wealthy were willing to spend their money supporting artists and geniuses. City-states played a big role in the rule of Italy at the time. They were often ruled by a powerful family. Some important city-states included Florence, Milan, Venice, and Ferrara. The Renaissance ManThe term Renaissance Man refers to a person that is an expert and talented in many areas.The true geniuses of the Renaissance were great examples of this. Leonardo da Vinciwas a master painter, sculptor, scientist, inventor, architect, engineer, and writer. Michelangelowas also a superb painter, sculptor, and architect. Fun Facts about the RenaissanceOne of the most popular Greek philosophers was Plato. Many men studied Plato's writings at the Academy in Florence.Venice was famous for its glass work, while Milan was famous for its iron smiths.Francis I, King of France, was patron of the arts and helped Renaissance art spread from Italy to France.Artists were initially thought of as craftsmen. They worked in workshops and belonged to a guild.
Two of the biggest changes to art from the Middle Ages were the concepts of proportion and perspective.Michelangelo and Leonardo became rivals when Michelangelo mocked da Vinci for not finishing a statue of a horse.Hunting was a popular form of entertainment for the wealthy.Artists and architects would often compete for a job, or commission, to create a piece of art.http://www.ducksters.com/history/renaissance.phpDocument 1 continued.1.The Renaissance occurred from the early 14th century to the late 16th century.2.The invention of the Gutenberg printing press in 1450 is a milestone which marks thebeginning of the Renaissance. Ideas were able to be spread quicker and farther becauseof the printing press. It allowed communication to occur through all of Europe.3.The Renaissance was a time of great beauty and art.Artists like Leonardo da Vinci andMichelangelo created greats works of art during this time.Writers like William Shakespearewereproducing their own masterpieces.4.It was also a time of creativity, imagination and curiosity.The Renaissance was the age of exploration.The voyages of many great explorers like Columbus, Vespucci, Ponce de Leon, Polo, De Soto and Balboa occurredduring the Renaissance.5. The word 'renaissance' is a French word which means 'rebirth'. The people credited with beginning the Renaissance were trying to recreate the classical models of Ancient Greek and Rome. 6. The Renaissance was a time whenVenice was the world's busiest seaport and Florence was the heart of great art.7.At the beginning of the Renaissance, Italy was the center of world culture. Genoa, Milan, Venice, Rome, Verona and Florence were economic, trade and financial leaders for Europe.8.There were changes in thinking during Renaissance. New ideas in art, science, astronomy, religion, literature, mathematics, philosophy, and politics were developed and advanced.9.The influence of the Renaissance impacted and shaped the future. The changes that happenedled to a modern era.10.One of the institutions that began to decline was the Catholic Church. Religion was still important, however.New religions and ways of thinking were being discussed.Martin Luther had broken away from the Catholic Church and was spreadinng the Protestant religion throughoutEurope.http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/16-educational/history/278-renaissance.html