Renaissance Emergence: From Medieval Transition to Modern Thought

Transition from Medieval to Renaissance Culture

The transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance saw Italy advance two centuries ahead of the rest of Europe in embracing classical ideals. This period is known as the Renaissance, signifying a rebirth of classical knowledge. Independent of the Church's seal, the classical model recurred as the rising bourgeoisie gained influence. By the 16th century (S. XVI), the canons of Renaissance Italy were imposed internationally.

Patrons of the Arts

Figures like Augustus and his ministers favored artistic activity between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD by protecting poets and thinkers. This patronage was crucial during the late Middle Ages for the rebirth, supporting many leading figures in both the arts and literature.

The Devastation of the Plague

Between 1347 and 1351, the bubonic plague devastated Europe, arriving via successful trade with the East. It is estimated that this caused the disappearance of one-third of the European population. In the 14th century (S. XIV), the result of these epidemics was reduced economic activity and consumption. This situation led to powerful individuals encouraging artistic production, despite less money circulating in the market.

Travel and New Openings in the 15th Century

The late 15th century (S. XV) brought a new economic outlook for Europe: the Spanish discovered America, and the Portuguese reached India. Sea travel and adventure marked the opening of the modern medieval market. This linked European man with unknown cultures and enabled the expansion of empires through conquest.

Humanism Rises

Humanism emerged in the late Middle Ages, through which the bourgeoisie prosecuted its vision of the world. This knowledge was conceived as integral, with ancient writers serving as models. European literature appropriated updates originating from Italy. Thus, in Spain, Santillana adopted the form of sonnets using Italian hendecasyllables.

Religious and Political Implications of Humanism

Humanism proposed a critical view of the Church. First, Erasmus of Rotterdam defended the freedom of the spirit against scholasticism, translating the New Testament and providing impetus for reform. Subsequently, Martin Luther began the reform movement, which involved all of Europe and culminated in the division of the Catholic Church, known as the Counter-Reformation.

Printing: Dissemination and Democratization of Ideas

Johannes Gutenberg installed the first printing press in Mainz in 1450. The technique spread rapidly in the 15th and early 16th centuries (S. XV and early S. XVI). This democratization of reading meant there were more readers. It also achieved an international level, facilitating the spread of texts like Machiavelli's The Prince, which exalted the value of the state, and Erasmus's Praise of Folly.

Vision and Ideals of the Courtly World

The worldview shifted toward disenchantment: religion lost its primary role in explanation. Medieval community life had been guided by religion. In contrast, the bourgeois order, based on the power of individual reason, favored scientific knowledge and practical philosophy.