The Renaissance: A Cultural and Scientific Revolution

Humanism

Humanism was the philosophical and cultural movement that spread through Europe in the 15th and early 16th centuries.

Astronomy

In 1543, the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus published On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres, presenting his heliocentric theory. According to Copernicus, the sun was the center of the universe, not the Earth. All the planets revolve around the Sun. However, the church continued to insist that the Earth was the center of the universe.

Medicine

In 1543, the doctor Andreas Vesalius published On the Structure of the Human Body. Based on direct observation, this book was a big step forward in the knowledge of human anatomy. It became the manual for students of medicine at that time. Ten years later, the doctor and theologian Michael Servetus discovered pulmonary circulation of the blood.

Physics

The most important scientist in this field was Leonardo da Vinci, who made numerous contributions to hydraulic and aerodynamic mechanics. He is responsible for inventions such as gears, propellers, windmills, the flying machine, the glider, the crane, the tank, and the warship. He also carried out research in the fields of anatomy and botany.

Quattrocento

- Important sculptors included Lorenzo Ghiberti, who designed the doors of the Baptistery in Florence Cathedral, and Donatello, whose works included David.

- Masaccio painted The Holy Trinity, Mantegna painted The Lamentation of Christ, Botticelli painted The Birth of Venus and Spring.

Cinquecento

Leonardo da Vinci's works include The Last Supper and The Mona Lisa.

Michelangelo painted the altar wall and ceiling frescos of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

Raphael painted portraits and pictures with religious or philosophical subjects, such as Madonna of the Goldfish and the frescos in the Vatican known as The School of Athens.

Titian was one of the greatest representatives of the Venetian School, which was characterized by the brightness and richness of its use of colors. The Venus of Urbino was one of his most famous works.

El Greco created religious scenes full of drama and movement. El Greco's elongated figures were full of spirituality. His many great paintings include The Disrobing of Christ and The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.