Renaissance Humanism and European Art History

Humanism and Renaissance Beginnings

Humanism was a philosophical and cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century. Key aspects included anthropocentrism, a focus on classical antiquity, and scientific curiosity.

• Origin: Florence, Rome, Naples.
• Spread: Facilitated by the use of Romance languages, the invention of the printing press, the establishment of schools and universities, and its reach into England, the Netherlands, and Spain.

The Renaissance Movement

The Renaissance started as a cultural and artistic movement in Italy before spreading across Europe. It was heavily supported by the Nobility and Bourgeoisie, exemplified by families like the Medici, and artists such as Michelozzo, Michelangelo, and Donatello.

Artistic Characteristics

Renaissance art emphasized:

• Human anatomy and nature.
• Harmony and clarity of lines.
• Integration of religious themes with new subjects.

Renaissance Periods

Quattrocento (15th Century in Florence)

This was a period of experimentation where artists rediscovered Greek and Roman culture. Notable figures include Simone Martini.

Cinquecento (16th Century in Rome and Venice)

This period marked maturity, where artists demonstrated mastery of the laws of perspective and proportion.

Renaissance Art in Spain

Architecture

• Plateresque: Characterized by ornate decoration, seen in the Façade of the University of Salamanca and Gothic buildings.
• Classical: Influenced by classical art, exemplified by the Palace of Carlos V in Granada.
• Herrerian: Monumental and geometric style, seen in the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid.

Sculpture and Painting

Key artists included Alonso Berruguete, Juan de Juni, Alonso Sanchez Coello, and El Greco.

Renaissance Art in Europe

• North: Flanders and Germany.
• France: Notable for structures like the Château de Chambord and the Palace of Fontainebleau.

Quattrocento Artistic Focus

Architecture

Characterized by simplicity and proportion. Key architects: Filippo Brunelleschi, Leon Battista Alberti, and Michelozzo.

Painting

Focused on perspective and harmony. Artists: Fra Angelico, Masaccio, Piero della Francesca, and Sandro Botticelli.

Sculpture

Emphasized human anatomy and idealism. Sculptors: Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Cinquecento Artistic Focus

Classicism

Architecture

Centered in the Rome of Pope Julius II. Architects: Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Andrea Palladio.

Painting

Mastery of perspective and human proportion. Painters: Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael Sanzio, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Giorgione, and Titian.

Sculpture

Focused on the human body, proportion, and balance.

Mannerism

A later style characterized by colossal size and disproportion.

The Reformation

The Reformation led to the establishment of Protestant churches. Martin Luther famously wrote the 95 Theses.

Protestant Doctrines

• Lutheranism: Belief in the Bible as the only true word of God, reduction of sacraments like baptism and Eucharist.
• Calvinism: Developed in Switzerland by John Calvin.
• Anglicanism: Established when Henry VIII of England separated from the Pope.

The Counter-Reformation

Persecution of Protestants

This included measures such as the Sacred Congregation of the Index.

Church Reform

The Council of Trent was convened to ratify papal authority and reform the Church.

New Religious Orders

The Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola.