TheItalianRenaissance-IndianaUniversity.ppt

The Italian Renaissance -Key Concepts- I. Why in Italy at this Time? Revival of Commerce and Town Building was more intense in Italy Feudalism had less of a grip on Italy Two competing lords for control of Italy were losing influence Presence of antiquity was stronger in Italy than elsewhere in Europe II. European Economic Recovery Dramatic recovery of European commerce Important industries flourish in Northern Italy The significance of printing and mining as new industries The fifteenth-century banking empire of the Medici family in Florence III. Renaissance Economics Profit-making became more important than Church doctrine To overcome guilt, profit-makers indulge in philanthropy Influence of guilds declining High profits led to economic diversification III. Renaissance Economics (cont) “Cottage Industry” Art became the way to advertise economic success Intensified commercial competition created the need to be efficient IV. Renaissance Society Renaissance is an elitist historical phenomenon Northern Italy was urban and commercial while Southern Italy mostly was not Very family-oriented society Marriages were frequently arranged to strengthen business ties IV. Renaissance Society (cont) Father’s authority over his family Some wealthy women played an important role in Italian city-states --Isabella d’Este of Mantua Concentration of wealth among great families -- “populo grosso” IV. Renaissance Society (cont) Extreme social stratification divided into factions around the wealthiest families Poor increasingly attempting to improve their social status --The Ciompi Revolt (1378) -- “populo minuto” “The Cult of the Individual” IV. Renaissance Society (cont) Number of portraits painted during this era illustrates focus on the individual A true nobleman Growing humanism and secularism in a Christian context Focus on man’s free will Rewards for living excellently came in this life V. Renaissance Politics Same pattern and problems as those of the Greek city-state