UNIT 10: RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION

HUMANISM
CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMANISM

Humanism was a philosophical and cultural ovement that started in Italy in

the 14 th century. As humanistic values spread, society and cultura became
progressively more secular. The main principles were:
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Anthropocentrism. They rejected theocentric mentality, which was

the previous mindset in medieval times, which revolved around
God. Humanists were interested in studying humanity because, as
the only species endowed with reason and freedom, they believed
humans were the centre of the universe.
Classical antiquity. Humanists studied Greek and Latin texts and
were inspired by the philosophers of antiquity . they admired Plato
and Aristotle for their pursuit of knowledge through reflection and
reason.
Scientific curiosity. They were interested in science and
technological progress. This new scientific spirit was devoted to
learning about nature through experience and observation. Their
aim was to understand the world by personal reflection and
scientific experiments.

THE ORIGIN OF HUMANISM

During the 14 th century, humanism developed in taly where classical civilisation
left a greater legacy. During the 15 th century, it spread from three different
regions:
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Florence. Arts and culture flourished under the rule of the Medici. Famous
humanists were Niccolo Machiavelli, autor of the political text, The Prince,
and Marsilio Ficino, who studied and translated the works of Plato.
Rome. The papal court contributed to the spead of humanism and
promoted authors like Nicholas of Cusa or Silvio Piccolomini.
Naples. Many scholars and humanists, like Lorenzo Valla, found support in
the court of Alfonso V of Aragn.

SPREAD OF HUMANISM
From the late 15 th century humanist ideas spread through Europe thanks to:
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The use of Romance languages. Most medieval texts were written in

Latin, but humanists chose French, Spanish and Italian as their means of
transmitting knowledge.
The invention of the printing press. Johannes Gutenberg perfected the
printing press in 1450. This event changed humanity since it allowed
many books to be printed and spread new ideas, like humanism, even
faster.
Schools and universities. These centres of study had schlars that
translated ancient texts, exchanged ideas and incorporated new thinking

models to universities such as Bologna, Florence, Leuven and Alcal de

Henares.
HUMANISM IN EUROPE
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England. During Henry VIII regency, Thomas More became an importante

figure. He was an English lawyer who criticised the society of his time and
proposed a new model of social organisation in his book Utopia, published
in 1516.
The Netherlands . The humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam wrote The Praise
of Folly which is considered to be the best representation of Christian
humanism because it combined encyclopedic knowledge with a strong
critical sirit and religious values.
Spain. Cardinal Cisneros founded the University of Alcal de Henares in
1499 which became the centre of humanism during the reign of Carlos I.
Antonio de Nebrija, in Sevilla, wrote the first book on Spanish gramar. The
Valencian Luis Vives was an important philosopher and educator.

RENAISSANCE
SOCIETY DURING THE RENAISSANCE

After the spread of humanism, the Renaissance started as a cultural and

artistic movement in Italy that later spread to other parts of Europe.
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Nobility and the bourgeoisie

Humanism was most popular in cities.
o The bourgeoisie were the biggest supporters of the new
mindset and promoted new forms of artistic expression.
o The nobility moved away from the feudal way of life and
adopted the refined values and lifestyles of the court ,
surrounding themselves with the latest artists and thinkers.
o Both the bourgeoisie and the nobility became patrons of the
arts. The Medici family in Florence, for example, promoted
Michelozzo,
Michelangelo,
and
Donatello.
Popes
commissioned works from artists like Bramante, Alberti, or
Michelangelo.
Artists
o Following the individualistic values of humanism, artists
were more respected socially.
o Cultura became more secular as people discussed topics
outside religious themes. Religion lost its influence in
intelectual matters and in many aspects of daily life.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RENAISSANCE

Artists recovered the artistic ideals of beauty and harmony of the Ancient Greeks
and Romans.
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Human anatomy and nature. They reflected the classical canons of

beauty and proportion. Painters and sculptor used mathematics to
explore the laws of perspective.

Harmony and clarity of lines. Renaissance architects sought ideal beauty

and proportion and returned to the construction methods of the Ancient
Greeks and Romans. They designed buildngs on a human scale, unlike in
the Middle Ages.
Religion and new themes. A more classical aesthetic was applied o
religous themes. New themes arose, like ancient mythology, portraits,
landscapes and topics related to the needs and interests of a new society.

PERIODS OF THE RENAISSANCE

Quattrocento
The Renaissance first began in Florence, during the 15 th century.
This was a period of experimentation in which artists rediscovered
Greek and Roman cultura. Some Italian painters, like Simone
Martini, had begun the search for perspective in the 14 th century,
but the tendency grew more quickly in the following century.

Cinquecento
This is a period of maturity in the 16 th century in which artists
demonstrated their mastery of the laws of perspective and
proportion.
By the mddle of the century, the style had evolved into less
classical ideals and moved toward Baroque art. During this period
Rom and Venice appeared as new centres of diffusion.

QUATTROCENTO
ARCHITECTURE

Architects wanted to build simple, proportional buildings and used shapes

and styles from classical antiquity. The main architects of this periods were:
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Filippo Brunelleschi, who was the most important architect of his

time. His buildings are examples of gemetric perfection.
Leon Battista Alberti and Michelozzo, who were also important
architects of the time.

PAINTING
Painters mainly searched for perspective and harmony, to represent
balanced compositions and ideal landscapes. Important painters of this
period are:
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Fra Angelico, who was a pioneer in perspective.

Masaccio, who explored arhitectural spaces.
Piero della Francesca, who was a master of perspective and the
use of light to create a sense of volumen,
Sandro Botticelli, perhapsthe most notable. His works perfectly
reflect humanist Neo-Platonism.

SCULPTURE

Sculptors in this period were interested in human anatomy and the search
for classical proportions through idealism. Important sculptors of this period
are:
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Donatello, who displayed serenity and elegance in his classically

inspired works.
Lorenzo Ghiberti, who expertly demonstrated perspective in his
reliefs on the gates of the Baptistery in Florence.

CINQUECENTO

CLASSICISM

Rome and Venice arose during the 16 th century as important artistic

centres of Italy. By the first decades of the 15 th century, the Quattrocento
artistic model had reached its peak, displaying features typical of classical
art.
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Architecture
Buildings became austere and monumental without losing the
harmony between their elements.
The Rome of Pope Julius II was the main architectural centre for
artists like Donato Bramante and Michelangelo. In Venice, Andrea
Palladio was the leading architect.

Painting
Painters in this period masterfully represented perspective and
human proportion. They investigated other techniques using light
and colour to achieve a natural look. The most important artists
were:
o Leonardo da Vinci, autor of orks like the Mona Lisa (The
Gioconda) or The Last Supper.
o Raphael Sanzio was a genius in perspective and composition
as he showed in the School of Athens.
o Michelangelo, creator of the ceilings at the Sistine Chapel,
who created masterpieces like The Creation of Adam and
The Last Judgment.
o In Venice, Tinoretto, Giorgione and Titian mastered the use
of colour.

Sculpture
Archaeological discoveries from Ancient Rome inspired the
sculptors of the 16 th century. They were strongly influenced by
classical antiquity. This inspired the importance of the human
body, proportion and balance. They often represented nudes.
The Florentine ichelangelo was the most outstanding sculptor of
the Quinquecento. His marble statues were very passionate, but

they also reflected the Renaissance qualities of harmony and

balance.
MICHELANGELO: A GENIUS AND VISIONARY
During his career, Mihelangelo Buonarroti evolved from the serenity of classicism to
more expressive and dramatic figures, anticipating a new artistic movement.
MANNERISM
The Mannerist style emerged around 1520 and lasted until it was replaced by the
Baroque style in 1580. People began to abandon humanism and classical art
because of political and religious events. Artists began applying a new meaning to
classic shapes. In attempts to surprise the viewer, artwork from this period shows
colosal size and disproportion between its eements.
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SPREAD OF THE RENAISSANCE

THE RENAISSANCE IN SPAIN

Although the gothic tradition continued in Spain during the 15 th century.

Italian influences brought the Renaissance style to the Peninsula.
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Architecture
Three different styles developed:
o

Plateresque
First third of the 16 th century.
This style mixed Renaissance decorative elements in Gothic
buildings.

Classical
Second third of the 16 th century. This style used elements
of classical art and was influenced by the Italian
Renaissance.

Herrerian
Last third of the 16 th century.
Buildings became more monumental and geoetric, but
lacked decorative elements.

Sculpture and painting

By the 16 th century, Spanish art incorporated typical aspects of
the Renaissance.
Sculptors and painters used drama to express their deep religious
faith instead of the classical serenity used in the past.
Important sculptors of the time were Alonso Berruguete and
French artista Juan de Juni, who carved spectacular altarpieces and
sculptures.

Among the most important painters were Alonso Snchez Coello

and, in particular, El Greco.
El Greco is known for creating complex compositions with cold
colours and elongated figures displaying dramatic gestures.
THE RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE

North of Europe
A distinctive style developed, particularly in paintings.
o Flanders. Flemish painting was characterised by realistic
and detailed portraits and landscapes. Important Flemish
painters of the 15 th century were Jan Van Eyck, Rogier van
der Weyden and Hieronymus Bosh. Later painters, like Pieter
Brueghel, painted more satirical realities.
o Germany. Paintings focused mainly on portraits and
landscapes. Albrecht Drer, a brilliant engraver, pioneered
the art of self-portraits.

France
The best examples of French Renaissance at appear i its
architecture, as seen in the palaces Chteau de Chambord or the
Palace of Fontainebleau. The monarchy promoted the Renaissance
and kings Louis XIII and Franois I brought Italian artists to their
courts.

REFORMATION AND COUNTER-REFORMATION

THE REFORMATION

The Reformation was a religious movement in the 16 th century that divided

Catholicism and created Protestant churches. Some humanist thinkers, like
Erasmus of Rotterdam inspired others to lead the Protestant Reformation.
The Reformation criticised certain practices of the medieval church:
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Lifestyles of the clergy. Some members of the Catholic hierarchy

lived in luxury and led lives that were below moral standards.
Opposition to indulgences. The medieval church used to grant
indulgences, which forgave sins in Exchange for money.
Excessive liturgy. Catholic rites and liturgies made it difficult for
worshippers to have a more intmate devotion base don Reading
the Bible.

NEW PROTESTANT CHURCHES

In 1517, Martin Luther, a German Augustinian monk, wrote The Ninety-Five

Theses. In this text Luther strongly criticised te Pope, and as a result he was

excommunicated from the Catholic church. Some German princes, who

rejected the authority of te Pope and Emperor, supported Luther.
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Religious Divisions in Europe:

Lutheranism. The Lutheran doctrine was base don a number

of basic principles: salvation by faith and not by deeds,
defence of a universal priesthood in which any believer
could preach the word of God, belief that the Bible was the
only source of truth, reduction of baptismal and Eucharis
sacraments, and refusal to worship the Virgin and saints.
Anglicanism. It arose in Switzerland under the guidance of
John Calvin, who added the doctrineof predestination to
Lutheranism. This claimed that people were predestined at
birth and had to honour this divine grace through hard work
and a strict morality.
Calvinism. King Henry VIII of England separated from the
Pope because he refused to annul his marriage to Catherine
of Aragn. The Act of Supremacy was passed in 1534,
declaring him the leader of the Church of England.

THE COUNTER-REFORMATION

The spread of the Protestant Reformation caused reactions inside the

Catholic Church.
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Persecution of Protestants
The Pope restored the Inquisition to punish heretics by subjecting
them to a trial called auto de fe. A special committee was created,
the Sacred Congregation of the Index, which created a list of
books that were banned for being against Catholic doctrine.

Church reform

Catholicis accepted the need for reform. The Council of Trent was a series of
meetings between 1545 and 1563 that reviewed certain church practices.
The practice of indulgences was prohibited, workshops to train the clergy
were created and bishops were forced t olive in their dioceses. At rent, the
clergy decided to keep the traditional organisation of the Church and ratify
the Pope as its universal leader.
They reaffirmed certain dogmas, like salvation through deeds, the seven
sacraments and the worship of the Virgin and the saints. Finally, they
declared the Vulgate as he only valid versin of the Bible
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New religious orders

The Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola. The Jesuits
directly obeyed the Pope, which made them effective instruments of the

Counter-Reformation. Education played a key role in spreading ideas against

reformism. The Jesuits also expanded the Churchs new approaches in
America.