The Renaissance period in Europe occurred from the 14th to the late 16th centuries. It was seen as a phase that was supposed to be a renewal or re-enlightenment and was essentially a time of immense cultural and political change. It ushered in new ideas and philosophies in Europe at the time. Most prominently, it was prevalent in Italy. Here are some interesting features of it!
Concept of Humanism was central– Humanism was the main philosophy that was enunciated during this time. The concept of Humanism marked a break away from the earlier philosophy in Europe, scholasticism. It sought to induce a rationalist approach in life, replacing theology which was earlier used to explain things. It advocated reviving facets of ancient Greek and Roman thought. It entailed that now not god but humans were at the center of the world. This rationalist mode of thought became a predominant strand of influence in the art and culture of this time.
Master Artists emerged at this time- Rennaissance was a time of immense cultural flourishing and saw the emergence of some legendary artists and painters at the time. The three major artists are Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni( 1475-1564), Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1509), and Raffaelo Santi of Sanzio, better known as Raphael ( 1483-1520). These artists not only painted magnificent paintings, which adorn famous museums all over the world today, such as the Louvre and Florence. They also painted churches, which was especially true in the case of Michelangelo, a masterpiece that is visible to us visiting the Sistine Chapel. Together, they introduced a very subversive mode of paintings, that has amazed the whole world!
Economic transformations- Another major change at this time was the transformation of the economy. Feudalism in Europe was declining, and Capitalism was growing. Trade now became a major method to growing prosperity. This loosening of the feudal ties lead to the growth of influential mercantile families, such as the Medici Family of Florence, who was a major patron of Leonardo Da Vinci. There was an overall transformation that had occurred.
Leonardo Da Vinci - Leonardo Da Vinci was the oldest of the three. He was an Italian polymath who was not only a fabulous painter but was also active as a painter, scientist, theoretician, and sculptor. His most famous painting, the Mona Lisa hangs at the Louvre today!
