...In the study of English literature, the medieval period and the Renaissance represent two distinctly different eras. Not only did the language itself change between the two periods, but the scope and subject of literature changed. Broadly speaking, medieval literature revolved around Christianity and chivalry, while Renaissance literature focused on man himself, the progress of arts and sciences, and the emergence of humanism. Medieval and Renaissance literature were influenced by two completely different eras in human history. During the Middle Ages, (A.D. 1066- 1500) the toils of daily life affected the mindset of those at this time. As a result, these ideas found its way into the making of Medieval literature. However, after the great rediscovery of the classical civilizations during A.D. 1500- 1660, men began creating what is now looked upon as Renaissance literature. Though they are both forms of writing, their history as a part of society greatly differed from contrasting philosophies of life, leading to two different personalities. Medieval Literature During the Middle Ages, a great emphasis was placed on the blend of fantasy and reality. Though characters were given human characteristics, their personalities transcended to those of fictitious figures (God, Saints, and revered leaders). Additionally, these stories incorporated the codes of romance and honor, reliving the ideals of chivalry in writing. Furthermore, there was a religious overtone hidden in these...
Words: 436 - Pages: 2
...The Renaissance brought about major change in Europe, and subsequently the rest of the world as well. Merriam-Webster defines the Renaissance as, “the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries when there was a new interest in science and in ancient art and literature especially in Italy.” Much of the change in music can be attributed to the changes in mindsets brought about by the Enlightenment and the Reformation. Music became less sacred, and more secular--although certain composers stuck with religious texts. However, some composers such as Francesco Landini in Italy, wrote no sacred works; whereas Machaut wrote fewer sacred works than composers in the past. The importance and influence of religion slowly declined in this period. Motets in the fifteenth century and early sixteenth century differed vastly from the ones preceding them in the late middle ages: “The years [circa] 1480-1520 witnessed an explosion in quantity and stylistic variety in motet production. Motets from this time period may have three to six voices; texts can be from the Old Testament, New Testament, liturgical rites, books of hours,...
Words: 1222 - Pages: 5
...new ideas, they were often concluded from unconcise evidence and were blindly believed. When the Renaissance began, people started to become more thorough and started to question the ideas people had thought of during the Middle Ages. For example, people thought they knew how the universe was set up and how the body function, but these were both blindly assumed and later proven incorrect during the Renaissance. When the Renaissance was happening, people decided to question different ideas and found out more about the world and themselves. One of the many topics people assumed during the Middle Ages was the organization of the Universe....
Words: 638 - Pages: 3
...and devices for measurement. Of all the objects in this art piece, the one that creates the most wonder and interest is the small and slightly hidden crucifix in the upper left portion of the painting and the large, distorted, skull-like object lying on the ground between the two men. With the abundance of material, fine detail, and symbolism this painting sparks curiosity of the meaning standing behind it all. The Ambassadors, by Hans Holbein the Younger is a painting created during the Renaissance Period in 1533. Historically, this time period is defined as a rebirth. It is a time of revival for literature, philosophy, architecture, Classical art, and learning (Mind Edge, Inc., 2015). The Renaissance is the time period which followed the middle ages in European Civilization (Renaissance, 2015). It was a time of new discovery and exploration. Gunpowder, printing, the mariner’s compass, new continents, and astrology were among the things newly discovered (Renaissance, 2015). The Renaissance followed after a period of lengthy stagnation and cultural decline. It was thought to be a time...
Words: 1211 - Pages: 5
...Why is the Renaissance significant? The Renaissance is a cultural move that roughly began in the 14th century to the 17th century. To examine the significance of the Renaissance would be the aim of this essay. What is remarkable about the Renaissance? One reason why Renaissance is significant is its remarkable influence to the way we live our lives today. The Renaissance was remarkable because it changed people’s way of thinking (Humanism). Before the Dark Ages, common people did not have any freedom. They were like birds trapped in a cage. People who were at the lower level of society were oppressed & constantly pushed down. For the oppressed people it was like being in a pitch black cave. The Renaissance brought change in the minds of the common population. People now were able to paint what they want, write what they want & create what they wanted. If the Renaissance had not occurred we would still be thinking the earth was the middle of the solar system & Earth was still flat. We would not have been able to read, if the printing press was not invented. People who did not know how to read were taught and the price of reading materials were brought down which made buying books easier for the poor. How the Renaissance resulted in change? Art changed, songs changed & the people changed. Art in the Dark Ages were always about religion, if a picture was created that had nothing to do about religion, the picture would be destroyed & the owner might even...
Words: 586 - Pages: 3
...Brandon Fisher 10/20/15 Hum1020 What is humanism? Humanism can be described in many ways and expressed through various methods . Many authors tend to explain humanism in several different meanings, and because they do not clarify which meaning it is that they themselves believe and can often be the foundation of confusion. Modern humanism can vary from the renaissance humanism in many ways, because generations have changed and different problems arose through the time periods. Modern humanism depends on reason and human life itself, it rejects all sense of supernaturalism and has a dual origin. While renaissance humanism directly focuses on the arts, culture, and rhetorical traditions. In this generation the infatuation with humans and life itself describes differences that these three readings have. However, the author’s opinions on humanism connects the similarities that they share. In Margaret L. King’s Renaissance Humanism, the different essays cover the opinions of humanism which ties to the papal court and all medieval traditions . In each essay the topic is focused on literary and religious magnitudes as well as the idea of classical learning. The beliefs and aspirations of the people were centered on God and saints as well as some scholars becoming more interested in the sciences and arts . During the timeframe of these writings women who practiced humanism were often looked upon as problematic. They were typically more intelligent and willingly tried to step...
Words: 1116 - Pages: 5
...What kind of hierarchies do we encounter in the study of art from 1400-1600? Ideas of the Renaissance The hierarchical phenomenon operating between the years 1400-1600 shaped and organised Renaissance society, heavily defining codes of conduct and correct communal correlations. What’s more, it was a comprehensive and widespread concept that manifested from various angles in Italian Renaissance art. Hierarchical influence can be encountered when considering the contention between several aspects of Renaissance art, and the bearing this classification and ranking process had on the canon of art history was considerable given the periods place in it. Specifically, this ladder of position operated within the competitive frameworks between the liberal and mechanical arts, Early Renaissance and High Renaissance artists, male and female artists, patrons and their employees in the practice of patronage, genres of art works, and painters and sculptors. When trying to understand how a period is structured and works as a whole, consideration of the hierarchies operating within it reveal some clear points of focus. Societies generally work on a ‘pyramid of prestige’, and Renaissance Italy followed this rule. Each societal member had a place, and was expected to fully understand the boundaries this position placed upon them. Societal roles were clear, and every person was conscious of their social standing, whether it be that they were higher or lower than the next person...
Words: 2545 - Pages: 11
...Western civilization has evolved through the works of many people, as well as techniques and methods used during this period. In particular, art has given the representation of this time, which is portrayed by each artist in different ways. One of the most significant figures in western art is Michelangelo. Some of his most famous works include the painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, his sculptures of The Pietà and David. Through his significant art pieces and sculptures, Michelangelo has widely influenced western civilization. Because of his contributions, he defined western art and he represented the Renaissance time period. Michelangelo was born in Caprese, Italy, on March 6, 1475. When he was young, his parents noticed...
Words: 812 - Pages: 4
...Using these four passages and your own knowledge, assess the view that the main purpose of the so-called ‘Alfredian Renaissance’ was to strengthen royal power. Interpretation A gives the opinion that Alfred’s motive behind the educational reforms was that ‘a life without knowledge or reflection was unworthy of respect.’ By having this as a reason, Stenton argues that Alfred effectively wished for respect of his Kingdom and subjects, and this can only be acquired through the gaining of knowledge. However, this can easily be disputed as one can argue that this may only have been the spoken reason in order to legitimise the reforms in the eyes of his subjects, when the underlying reason was indeed to strengthen his royal power. It can be argued on the other hand, i.e. in Stenton’s favour, as there is evidence that Alfred genuinely would want to improve the education and learning within his Kingdom, as he received a below-par education himself and later realised that he did not want the same for his subjects. He also travelled to Rome as a child, which influenced his decisions as Rome was a centre point for scholars in the world at that time. Another way of understanding Stenton’s interpretation is to believe that royal power may come through gaining the respect of his Kingdom anyway. By this I mean that if Alfred believed that the education of his people would earn enough respect from foreign powers both within the British Isles and from European ones such as the Carolingian Empire...
Words: 1935 - Pages: 8
...During the middle of the 14th century, a cultural movement, known as the Renaissance emerged as an important impact to the beginning of a historical era. It developed during the Middle Ages in Italy and later expanded to Europe. It was around this time, from the period in mid 14th century thru 16th century, when the well-known artists, such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, contributed to bringing about changes to the world of art and even inspired the term “Renaissance Men”. The word renaissance meaning “rebirth” in French, influenced the ancient Greek and Roman culture as well. So many artists began to observe the natural world attempting to capture their imagination and express themselves through their work of art. These art pieces, being created, included two dimensional media, such as paintings and drawings, and three dimensional media, such as sculptures. Two works of renaissance arts by two different artists will be closely observed by exploring the vocabulary of arts and also the various principles of design. Additional information as to the potential meaning and historical influence of the artwork, artist’s motivation and their professional background, as well as the comparisons and contrasts to artist’s styles will also be observed. The first artist is Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378-1455), an Italian artist best known for his works in sculptor and metal working. His first art piece being observed is the The Story of Jacob and Esau and second art piece is the Creation of...
Words: 1615 - Pages: 7
...pay heed to religious law in the manner he lived his life, but he likewise did not particularly care for the Catholic Church of the time because of the lack of ethics demonstrated by the Pope's and other supposedly "religious men's" actions at the time. The Prince, a handbook for politicians on the employment of ruthless, self-serving cunning, inspiring the term "Machiavellian" and establishing Machiavelli as the "father of modern political theory."(History.com) There are many types of leaderships that after being present over the centuries. Leadership styles have developed over time, with a prominent shift from the autocratic and directive leadership in the twentieth century to a more participative and democratic style of the younger generation. These changes in leadership styles can be ascribed to a combination of events including a switch in people’s attitudes as well as advances in technology. In fact, choosing the right way, at the proper time in the right place is a key element of leader effectiveness. That’s not what most people do. They will normally have one style applied in all positions. It’s like having only one case...
Words: 1345 - Pages: 6
...impact that architecture has had on the major civilizations throughout time by being able to display them in their works, which not only was a clear representation of the time but as well helped mold and solidify the society’s thoughts through expression. By taking examples from ancient to modern times I will examine how the architecture of these eras clearly displays the thoughts and ideas of the culture in which it was built upon and as well the society in which it is placed. As well I will be examining how several major key architects played a dynamic role in these critical showcases that represented their time. I will be taking architectural examples from; the ancient Egyptian time period, the gothic and medieval time period, the renaissance & pre-modern period and the now contemporary period. Each one of these unique periods of time in architectural design were clear representation of the dynamic time period in our history. Here, looking back at these time periods we can see the most incredible works in architectural design that still to this day help us understand the culture at the time. As well I will be using several renowned architects throughout these time periods who were able to portray the culture, and society in their designs. These architects include, Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Louis Henri Sullivan, and of course Frank Gehry. Ancient Period Architecture: The most incredible display of the rapid development of civilizations...
Words: 2807 - Pages: 12
...themselves as human beings. Their predecessors in the west porch are aligned with their pillars, as if pinned to them like rare butterflies. The new figures stand more naturally between the pillars. And they look about. They make gestures. Their creators are beginning to discover a natural way of treating the human figure. Later Gothic sculptors build on that achievement. From Gothic to Renaissance: 13th - 14th century An important element of the Renaissance is the rediscovery of the realistic free-standing human figure as sculpted in Greece and Rome. But the emergence of Renaissance sculpture is not nearly as sudden a process as the change involved in Renaissance architecture. From the time of the north porch of Chartres, in the early 13th century, sculptors create entirely believable people in stone - though attached, invariably, to the walls of buildings. Gradually these figures begin to detach themselves, as if moving towards a more independent existence. The statues liberated in this way are among the masterpieces of Gothic sculpture. But they are also the harbingers of the Renaissance. The examples usually quoted are mainly from northern Europe. Four figures in the west porch of Reims cathedral, carved between 1225 and 1245, break out of their isolation to relate to a partner. In the right pair the Virgin turns to St Elizabeth in the Visitation; in the left pair she turns to the archangel in the Annunciation. In the following century another major step is taken in France...
Words: 1930 - Pages: 8
...Leonardo De Vinci I live in a period, where future generations will reply on my current period because living in the “Renaissance period” or the progression of knowledge and tools will provide the guidelines for success in the future. Living in a period where there are many advancements that provide a better living standards and healthier well-being. More importantly, enhancing the practice of religion using outsides resources such as art that, which is my expertise. Surrounding one’s with beautiful illustration of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary makes seem that they are with us on earth. I, Leonardo Da Vinci believe that yet to come generations will consider me as an ancient modern humanist. We are the humanists that believe in the rights of human being but still remaining to God’s words. I, Leonardo Da Vinci, was born in Anchiano that is known as “II Florentine” since...
Words: 818 - Pages: 4
...Setting: Florence, Italy Date: June 10, 1501 Hello. Today I will be interviewing the following panel of two famous artists from the Renaissance period. First, I will interview Mr. Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi who goes by the name Sandro Botticelli. After Mr. Botticelli, I will interview Mr. Donato di Betto Bardi who goes by the name Donatello. I chose you two as my subjects because both of you are from Florence, Italy, which is the home to the largest collection of Renaissance art and architecture in the world. I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to join me. I must say Florence is a beautiful country. I would like to start with you Mr. Botticelli, so let us begin. Cortni: Your works appear to be limited to family and religious figures. What do you believe is your greatest motivation for these types of pieces? Botticelli: “I have very strong family values and come from a nuclear family. Our values are directly tied to our belief system. For me, family is a religious obligation and I feel my works will keep them alive with the hope that others are influenced in the same manner. Of course, I started as a young painter but as matured I became influenced by the religious preacher, Savonarola, and painted works on religious subjects done in a very religious and expressionistic style, for example, my work I call the Magic Nativity. Have you seen it?” Cortni: Yes, I have actually. It is quite the art work, Sandro. Cortni: When did you...
Words: 1281 - Pages: 6
