...Religion was one of the aspects of the Renaissance that changed drastically over a few centuries. Before the Renaissance, during the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was dominant in most states of Europe. The Pope was the singular most influential and feared bodies in politics. At this time, the church would be the center of all community life, especially because the clergymen were often the only people in a town who were literate. Before the Renaissance, the church was the undisputed dominant force of order. As the Renaissance started to blossom, the church was still the center of life and a refuge from the horrors of war and plague. However, by this time various factors had begun to act against the church's influence. As the Renaissance was re-awakening, it was also a rebirth of thought. So various people began taking up their own views and opinions of the world and began questioning the church and the Pope. The major facts that were weakening the church's influence included the Rise of Humanism, the invention of the Printing Press, the awareness of corruption in the church, and the work of individual Reformers. Humanism The rediscovery of Humanism in probably the most influential force that powered the Renaissance. The basic concept of Humanism is the belief that all human concept of Humanism is the belief that all human beings have a capacity to reason. Humanism shows a reverend respect for the beauty of the human body and power of an individual's mind. It saw...
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...101 The Renaissance paved the way for numerous other eras such as The Protestant Reformation, the Scientific Revolution and The Enlightenment. The Renaissance brought on the idea of Individualism and how educating yourself and believing in yourself could make a better world. The Renaissance helped change personal views of one’s self and the world. The Renaissance is portrayed by a number of different ideas about Life and humanity, some of which are Individualism, secularism, and humanism. Individualism was a noteworthy concept that came about during the Renaissance era. It put emphasis on personality, uniqueness, genius, and developing one’s capabilities and talents. Recognizing individual efforts and then becoming known beyond the local areas began to grow during the renaissance. Artist started to sign their work so they could gain fame far from their own areas. This was different because in the middle Ages artist painted to glorify God, so that did not require an artist to sign their work. During the Renaissance the artist wanted to be known for being an individual and not to just contribute to a group (religion). Also during the Renaissance there was more attention to the development of the individual where education was concerned. The Importance of learning all intellectual areas as well as becoming knowledgeable about physical actions was a new development during the Renaissance. During the Renaissance you could become educated in many different areas this was the complete...
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...Renaissance Comparison Essay Candyce Kettler Hum/205 Jill Hunt August 29, 2010 We top Italian society's rebirth from the medieval period with the changes that occurred during the Italian Renaissance. Civilization was changing and what we consider the modern world was about to begin. The renaissance doings that happened in Europe outside of Italy is called the Northern European Renaissance. Italy's humanist ideas and values moved out of Italy and throughout Europe, which spurred on the Northern European Renaissance. The Renaissance period began in the early 14th Century and lasted until the late 16th Century. “Renaissance” comes from the French word that means “rebirth.” This time period is named and studied because of its unique art, literature, and music. It is also known as society's modern age. Early in the 14th Century, Italian scholars started to study the ancient cultures that preceded them, like those of Greece and the Roman Empire. This scholarly interest would lead to the Italian Renaissance. Italy and Europe was ready for change after the harrowing destruction of the Black Plague in the Middle Ages. Florence, Italy, was the home of the start of the Renaissance. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, culture, politics, and the arts had only been in decline. Petrarch advocated learning about Italy's Latin and Roman history. The Pope and the royalty liked this idea, so other scholars begun to study in the same vein. These scholars valued the accomplishments...
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...power overshadowing spirituality, and complicated doctrines incomprehensible by laypeople, many reform movements sprouted across Europe that escalated a new way of thinking about religion. The Mendicant movement, which stressed spirituality of simplicity in response to church wealth, power, and corruption, and Mysticism, which stressed individual spiritual experience instead of dogmatic doctrines, were monumental steps in the direction towards religious freedom. These movements, along with the Renaissance’s emphasis on human experience and capability and the recovery of classical and early Christian sources produced a serious challenge to the Roman Catholic concept of Christendom and introduced a spirit of fresh inquiry and independent thought. These movements created a snowball effect for intellectual emancipation, eventually leading to the 30 years war, religious splits, and territorial splits. What is most interesting is that institutionalized Christianity, the crux of society for more than three centuries, was no longer the same glue or “religio” in the Early Modern Era; ironically, the development of religious freedom was this “religio” for society. It is important to look deeper into the time of the Renaissance because it was in those pivotal years that people’s perspective on religion was visibly changing drastically. Beginning in 14th century Italy and spreading throughout Europe into the 17th century, Europeans rediscovered literature of Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles...
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...The Renaissance in Italy and Europe The French word Renaissance means “rebirth” and is the period in European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages. It relates mostly to the growth of artistic and intellectual creativity which is also used by artists and thinkers to recover and apply the ancient learning and standards of Greece and Rome. The Renaissance was basically an intellectual and also cultural movement that imparted some sort of intellectual quality which made it one of the most important events in universal history. This movement was carried on between the fourteenth century and the sixteenth century. The Renaissance was believed to be restricted to Italy somewhere during the late 15th century. This great movement made a huge and advance difference in the world today and also back in the days. It brought major contrasts with civilization in Europe during this time period. This has become of my interest not only because it is one of the world’s most known events, but also because it is a movement that benefited and contributed intellectual developments in most parts of the world today. It is most commonly known that one of the reasons the Renaissance period took place was because theology was rejected by the Middle Ages and was taken over by science. The outlook and institutions of the Middle Ages disintegrated and conspicuous modern forms, like science, emerged. Because of the different levels in society during the time of this intellectual movement, all...
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...Middle Ages and Renaissance Art Western Governor’s University It is interesting how two different artistic periods can compare to each other. When comparing Middle Age art to art of the Renaissance, I find a vast transformation of ideas and mentality between the two eras. The Middle Ages, also called the Medieval period, lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. It began with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and merged into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. Christianity, religion and the church played an important role in life in the Middle Ages. Life seemed difficult in the Middle Ages. A vast majority of the population could read or write. The population’s hope was declining and this lead to a strong belief that the next life in heaven would be better than the current life that they were in. The basic government and society in Europe during the middle ages was based around the feudal system. (Eco, U. (1986). Because Christianity played an important role during the Middle Ages, early Christian art icons were popular such as images of Christ, the Virgin Mary or saints. Also popular were illuminated manuscripts that were of a religious nature. Because of the radiant glow created by the gold, silver, and other colors that were used, these handwritten and decorated or painted texts were called illuminations. These were still being created in the Middle Ages. Architecture of the Middle Ages also focused on a Christianity theme. Two...
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...The Renaissance; the transitional time period from the dark Middle Ages to the age titled Early Modern. During this time period, scholars in Florence--and then much of Europe--revived the ancient ideas of the Greeks and Romans. That being said, the Renaissance was a completely different era due to: the birth of Humanism, revolutionary ideas, and the amazing pieces of art that were created during this time. Stunning pieces of art distinguished the Renaissance as its own time period unrelated to Medieval times. The best place to start is with the medieval mosaic, “Justinian & Attendants” by San Vitale. The mosaic is flat, depicts Christian themes, has no vibrant colors, and its most important figure has a halo around them (Doc 11). On the...
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...The Classical and Renaissance art periods are two of the most important and celebrated art periods in our history. The two periods were alike in many ways with only a few differences setting them apart. In the end, the Renaissance was a “rebirth” of the Classical art style, architecture and beliefs. The Classical period was a time of spectacular architecture, philosophical pondering, and human development; taking place between 500 – 323 BC, Ancient Greece enjoyed wealth and power. The arts, literature, and drama thrived. The Classical Period made world changing discoveries in medicine, mathematics, physics, and astronomy. The city of Athens, one of the most powerful and influential cities in the Classical period introduced the world to Democracy and has shaped today’s western governments. Some of the philosophers of the Classical Period have become the most well known philosophers know to man today and have had influence on Western thought and civilization. To this day the teachings of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are still pondered today. Classical art focused mainly on five forms: architecture, sculpture, pottery, painting, and music. Ancient Greece was dominated by religion. This resulted in the temples being big and beautiful. The Classical period brought change in the style of sculptures. The Greeks believed in humanism and their art displayed this. The Greeks took great pride in the importance of the individual in society in the forms of art, philosophy and government...
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...Role of the Church in the Development of Modern Medicine throughout the Middle Ages During the Middle Ages, the culture and society of Europe and the Western world was under the control of the Church. The religious aspects of medieval European peoples were a great consideration in the matters of the body and health care. The majority of medical knowledge and research was under the influence and followed the expressed ideas of the Church. As the hold of the Church on society began to disintegrate, medicine was able to move from medieval practices influenced by religious belief into modern medicine, based upon observation and evidence. Causes of disease and illness were now understood and scientists were able to start searching for cures because restrictions that prevented modern medical theories from being discovered were lifted. Paracelsus discovered that agents outside the body caused illness. The study of the human anatomy was now practiced and became an essential part of medical knowledge, giving way towards new modern advancements such as blood transfusions and surgeries. Da Vinci conducted many autopsies and constructed detailed drawings of the human anatomy, which had never been studied earlier. Medical knowledge was no longer different and divided into sects but was now centralized under the modern scientific teachings taught to doctors in universities everywhere. As the culture of the Middle Ages moved away from the Church and religion so did scientific knowledge...
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...Comparing Renaissance vs Impressionism The beginning of the Renaissance, if asked in a question you may end up with an argument on your hands. Many believe the time frame is too difficult to track, that someone just tossed out a date in history and said, “This is when the Renaissance began and ended” and that time frame is 1300s to 1700s. However, some people believe it believe that it began at the precise year of 1401 and ended in the late 1600s. Either way they Renaissance period began after the Middle Ages when many countries were struggling with their economies, and there were gaps between the upper class and lower class populace. “First, as Petrarch sees it, the Middle Ages has an entirely negative quality. It is defined by what it is not. It is not the classical age; it is not the rebirth; it is the bare space in between. It is a time without light, without fortune, without learning. It has no positive existence. Things without positive existence are darned hard to define. Or defend. It (Middle Ages) ends when the Renaissance begins.”(Bauer, 2013) At the beginning of the Renaissance, stories in history tell us that it was a time of awakening and growth for people who are known by their art. Not only is art a major part of the Renaissance, but there was also a change in the point of views on life, religion and science. What was the “norm” before the Renaissance was now a thing of the past. Churches were split, and ex-members were now forming new churches with new ideas...
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...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,...
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...During the 16th Century the renaissance and the reformation both had a major impact on Europe, this was due to the liberties and new ideas that produced changes in the society. Source 1 concentrates more on the effect the renaissance had whereas Source 2 concentrate more on the reformation and its effects. These however are not the only factors that contributed the ‘new age’ which was being formed, for example other key turning points would be international relations in regards to commerce as well as overseas exploration. In Source 1 it states that there was a ‘regeneration of cultural values’ this helps to support that the renaissance did have a massive effect in Europe as it was down to those values mentioned in Source 1. It highlights that there was a mass movement in cultural ideas throughout Europe at the time as many people’s view on society and cultural was changing. The infusion of new ideas had the biggest effect on the people in the middle class as out of everyone they cared the most about what others thought of them and whether or not they were doing the ‘right’ thing for that time period. Examples of the new ideas presented where shown through architecture, art and fashion. The change is backed up by Source 1 further as Morris expresses the ideas of the rebirth of ‘standards that had lain dormant since the fall of Rome’ this implies that the so called ‘new’ ideologies that are being formed aren’t so new, that in fact they are the thoughts expressed during the Roman...
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...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 through architecture can...
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...Why was Socrates regarded as a man of virtue? Why was Socrates regarded as a man of virtue? Socrates: Man of Virtue (470-399 B.C.E.) Socrates proposed the theory of value in which there are two sorts of good: virtue and happiness. Both are unconditional goods. But happiness is a "self-generated" good in that it "derives its value strictly from its inherent properties;" whereas virtue is an "other-generated" good in that it derives its value from happiness, precisely from its conduciveness to happiness. Virtue is an instinct in all humanity which can be aroused through self-examination. This universal truth is accessible to everyone who thinks and question. Socrates assumes that any person with whom he talks has the resource to answer his question correctly, that is, that no specialist knowledge is required. Socrates thought that knowledge is virtue, and virtue leads to happiness. It makes sense to think that moral people know what morality is. If you know right from wrong, then you might be able to choose to do what you know to be right. It also makes some sense to suspect that our beliefs about right and wrong influence our decisions. If we believe its right to help a drowning child, then it would be fairly shocking to decide not to do so—and it would less surprising when we decide to help the child. It is quite a shocking statement to say that virtue always leads to happiness. Criminals commit crimes that hurt others to help themselves. To think that their crimes would...
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...Medieval ages vs Renaissance. The mid-14th century marked the beginning of a transition between the Medieval and Modern times. This transition we now known as the Renaissance. The movement initiated in Italy and incorporated almost all aspects of life starting with intellect and politics and reflecting in architecture and art. In Italian “Renaissance” literally means “awakening” or “rebirth”. (Cliff’s Notes, 2013). The Middle ages were thought to be really invented by Renaissance. People of the 14th century were feeling like they were “coming out of the darkness”. Since those dark and dirty centuries left behind didn’t really deserve to be called any special name they just called them ‘the age in between”. We now realize that those ages were also innovative and in it’s 1000 years or so Europe took on the shape and features we know today. “In the lawless age people looked for immediate solutions to immediate problems: how to beat back the enemy, how to rebuild the working economy, how to stay alive. Until, out of anarchy, a new social order was put together that would restructure Europe – the Middle ages.” The medieval art of the Western world covers an enormous range of time and place, over 1000 years of art in Europe, and at times the Middle East and North Africa. Generally we say that medieval art lasted from 5th to 14th centuries. It includes major art movements and periods and the artists themselves. Art historians try to classify medieval art into major periods...
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