The Italian Renaissance

Essay # 57414

Art
Art > History
History > European
History > Greek and Roman

A brief analysis of the notion that what characterized the Italian renaissance was a sense of human power and a glorification of human activity.

1,383 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2005 Canada

Paper Summary:

Beginning with a definition of the term renaissance, this paper explores, through specific examples of writing, art and architecture, how and why the Italian renaissance may be characterized as a glorification of human power and human activity. Petrarch and his contemporaries are presented as examples of a return to classical idealism in Europe. Further, an exploration of the dignity of man, as well as renaissance art and architecture are detailed, giving weight to the paper's thesis. Specific art examples discussed in the paper include the Merode Altarpiece (1425-1428) by Master of Flemalle, Michelangelo Buonarrotis' David and Bramante's Tempietto.

From the Paper:

"The Renaissance, from the French word renaissance and the Italian word rinascita, both meaning rebirth, is considered by some to have officially begun in 1341 when Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) was crowned in Rome with the Laurel wreath, the ancient symbol of victory and merit. Petrarch, as one of the first humanist writers, explored modern life through the lens of the ancient Romans and Greeks. Both Petrarch and his contemporary Boccaccio (1313-1375) "were famous in their own day as poets, scholars and men of letters - their achievements equivalent in honor to those of the heroes of civic virtue." As the word humanism suggests, the principle concerns of its advocates were human values and human interests, which are distinct from, but not entirely opposed to, the other worldly values of Christianity."