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Andrew M.
The "Vitruvian Man", painted by Da Vinci. The picture represents the limitless nature of the human body. (H1)
Background Definition
Background Definition
Humanism is a psychology and a way of thinking that was extremely essential to the Italian Renaissance period. This set of ideas influenced Italian society, and was a major factor in the development of inventions, art, morals, and civilization. Humanism, at the start of the Renaissance, was not a typical way of living. During the time, religion was still considered the main source of influence in the way society functioned. However, humanism provided a different, more individualistic focus. The base of humanism psychology was around the human body and its capabilities, thriving for an efficient, moral community. The human body, otherwise seen as sinful at the time, was seen as beautiful, precious, and valuable.
Important Figures of Humanism
Leonardo da Vinci, in his works, represented humanism in a way very few could. He focused on human aspects and emotions in his works, mirroring humanistic beliefs. (H2)
Michelangelo was a person who believed in humanism and was not afraid to depict it. In his most famous piece, David, he constructed the sculpture to show the grace of man instead of mainly religion, reflecting his psychology. (H3)
Sandro Botticelli helped showcase humanism, and specifically neoplatonism, in his pieces. The humanistic display of emotion, beauty, and was one of the pioneers at the time to not solely focus on religion. (H4)
Petrach is known as the "Father of Humanism". A pioneer of humanism and one of the first major poets to hold humans as the main focus of his psychology rather than religion. (H5)
Giovanni Boccaccio was a writer and poet with humanistic beliefs. Whilst being friends with Petrach, he wrote a number of humanism masterpieces like Decameron which greatly influenced Italian and European society. (H6)
Leonardo Bruni is sometimes referred to as the first modern historian. Leonardo aided in the translations of numerous classical texts related to humanism. Through the content of these texts, he influenced the inclusion of classical studies in education. (H7)
Start of Humanism
Start of Humanism
In 1453, after a long and dominant reign of both military strength and development of society, Constantinople fell to the hands of the Ottoman Turks. After the resulting battle, intellectual scholars who were once a part of the Constantinople populace fled throughout Europe, including Italy. With them, the scholars brought valuable and innovative texts, knowledge, and technologies. The moral values and virtues that these scholars wrote about and believed became the basis of the Italian Renaissance and the humanist movement.
This painting shows The Fall of Constantinople (H8)
The scene is modern painting that depicts a symbolic setting of great minds and innovators communicating around a map of Italy. (H9)
Humanism Influence
Humanism Influence
Humanism defined an era in Italian history. The shifting focus of morals from religion to individual value changed the course of both Italian history and world history. The ideals and values associated with humanism guided the concept of Renaissance art, providing pieces with deep feelings embedded in their works with realistic visuals. The transfer of morals also bred an era of innovation. The values of humanism, fostering creative inquiry and constructing an environment of inventive minds, led to the progression of creations. Humanism gave people a new way to think about the world and how to navigate it with more of an expressive mentality.
Other Resources
World History - Renaissance Humanism
World History's page provides a unique look on humanism with specific explanations. The website details the history and background of the rise of humanism during the Italian Renaissance. World History refers to present times in comparison, helping show and represent how humanism is seen today and how it affected today's society to make the information more relatable and understandable.
Smart History - Humanism in renaissance Italy
Smart History shows a different, distinctive way of research and representing its information. The website chooses to go deeper, explaining more personal areas of humanism like who the humanists were as people. The history and how humanism grew into a part of education is specifically described, giving the reader a clear timeline of how humanism developed.
MasterClass - Humanism in Art: A Guide to Renaissance Humanism
Master Class explains and represents what impacts humanism had on artistic creativity furing the Italian Renaissance. The website explores specific examples and famous works that helps show humanism's widespread influence on cultural endeavors at the time.
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