Appeared during the Renaissance. Renaissance (Renaissance), Renaissance era

A short guide to the ideas of the European Renaissance.

Renaissance

History and features

Over the course of two hundred years, Europe witnessed an astonishing revival of painting, sculpture and architecture, with Italy at its epicenter. The concept of the “Renaissance” appeared in the 19th century thanks to the works of the historian Michelet and art history professor Jacob Burckhardt.

Characteristic

The Italian Renaissance restored Western art according to the principles of classical Greek art, especially in the fields of sculpture and painting. From the beginning of the 14th century, in search of a new set of artistic values ​​and a response to the Gothic style, Italian artists and thinkers began to be inspired by the ideas of ancient Greece and Rome, which was in perfect harmony with their desire to create a universal and noble art form and express the mood of the time.

Humanism

First of all, the art of that time was determined by the philosophical concept of “humanism”, based on existing achievements (for example, democratic ones).

In the visual arts, humanism stands for:

• Creating a unique composition instead of stereotypical and symbolic images.
• Greater realism and attention to detail, which was reflected in the development of theories of linear perspective. This approach explains both the veneration of classical sculptures and the fall out of fashion of Byzantine works.
• Emphasis on developing and promoting virtuous action. The leading art theorist of the time, Alberti (1404-1472), stated that “happiness cannot be achieved without good, just and righteous deeds.”

Causes

It is still unclear what caused this change in art. Although the Dark Ages ended for Europe and the Christian Church experienced a rebirth in the 12th and 13th centuries, the 14th century saw serious crop problems, a plague epidemic, and a war between England and France. Therefore, the reason for the breakthrough in creativity, of course, was a number of factors and historical events.

Positive development trends were observed in Italy at that time. Venice and Genoa grew rich from trade with the East, and Florence became a center of jewelry, wool and silk production. Prosperity gradually comes to Northern Europe, as evidenced by the creation of the Hanseatic League.

The spread of new ideas was facilitated by the invention of printing, which, to some extent, reflected an impatience with slow progress after a thousand years of cultural and intellectual starvation, a desire for rebirth.

Weakness of the Church

The precarious position of the church gave additional impetus to development. This leads to a rise in humanistic views and encourages the clergy to decorate temples and churches and collaborate with architects and sculptors. The reaction to such a change, known as the Counter-Reformation, lasted until the end of the sixteenth century.

Development

The Renaissance also parallels the beginning of the great Western discoveries. Europeans explore new sea routes, explore continents and create new colonies. New research is happening in other areas related to science, nature and peace. Masters of the fine arts demonstrate their own desire for new methods and knowledge. According to the Italian artist, architect and historian Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574), not only respect for art and classical antiquity is growing, but also the desire to learn from nature and imitate it.

Epicenter

In addition to its status as the richest trading nation, Italy had a vast number of classical works and artifacts at its disposal. Examples of Roman architecture and sculpture, as well as ancient Greek works, were found in almost every city in the country. In addition, the fall of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, forced many Greek scholars to emigrate to Italy, along with their classical ideas and important texts. All these factors explain why this country became the center of the European Renaissance.

In Northern Europe, the Renaissance is characterized by advances in the representation of light, its propagation and reflection, as reflected in portraiture and still life. This is partly due to the fact that most northern Renaissance artists used oil paints in the early 15th century, preferring them to tempera or fresco, which (for many reasons, including climatic ones) were still preferred and popular in Italy.

Religious art of the time is dominated by the depiction of the apostles and members of the Holy Family, who are depicted as living people. Their poses and surroundings express real human emotions. Plots and stories from classical mythology are also popular, illustrating the ideas of humanism.

It is also worth noting that the status of the profession of artists and sculptors is moving to a new level, because now the creation of paintings and sculptures requires mental preparation and serious technology.

Galleries

The following Italian galleries have significant collections of Renaissance paintings or sculptures:

• Uffizi Gallery.
• Pitti Palace.
• Vatican Museums.
• Gallery Doria Pamphilj.
• Capodimonte Museum.
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Conclusion

The main contribution of the Italian Renaissance to the history of art can be described as the promotion of classical ancient ideals, which resulted in the classical development of Western painting and sculpture. Although modern artists explore new forms of art, for the West the main model remains Greek antiquity and its interpretation in the form of the Renaissance.

Renaissance updated: September 16, 2017 by: Gleb

The history of the Renaissance begins in This period is also called the Renaissance. The Renaissance changed into culture and became the forerunner of the culture of the New Age. And the Renaissance ended in the 16th-17th centuries, since in each state it has its own start and end date.

Some general information

Representatives of the Renaissance are Francesco Petrarca and Giovanni Boccaccio. They became the first poets who began to express sublime images and thoughts in frank, common language. This innovation was received with a bang and spread in other countries.

Renaissance and art

The peculiarity of the Renaissance is that the human body became the main source of inspiration and subject of study for artists of this time. Thus, the emphasis was placed on the similarity of sculpture and painting with reality. The main features of the art of the Renaissance period include radiance, refined use of the brush, the play of shadow and light, care in the work process and complex compositions. For Renaissance artists, the main images were from the Bible and myths.

The resemblance of a real person to his image on a particular canvas was so close that the fictional character seemed alive. This cannot be said about the art of the twentieth century.

The Renaissance (its main trends are briefly outlined above) perceived the human body as an endless beginning. Scientists and artists regularly improved their skills and knowledge by studying the bodies of individuals. The prevailing view then was that man was created in the likeness and image of God. This statement reflected physical perfection. The main and important objects of Renaissance art were the gods.

Nature and beauty of the human body

Renaissance art paid great attention to nature. A characteristic element of the landscapes was varied and lush vegetation. The blue-hued skies, pierced by the sun's rays that penetrated the white clouds, provided a magnificent backdrop for the floating creatures. Renaissance art revered the beauty of the human body. This feature was manifested in the refined elements of the muscles and body. Difficult poses, facial expressions and gestures, a harmonious and clear color palette are characteristic of the work of sculptors and sculptors of the Renaissance period. These include Titian, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and others.

Italy is the best place to easily understand art history. There are masterpieces literally at every step here.

From this article you will learn:

“Rinascimento”: ri - “again” + nasci - “born”

I hope everyone has heard the concept of “renaissance”. Born again, born again. Or - the Renaissance. Almost always this concept is applied to the field of art: painting, literature, architecture, etc. By the way, science can also be included here.

Botticelli, Birth of Venus

Now let’s figure it out, what exactly was born again? This is a special type of culture that has already gone beyond the Middle Ages, but only precedes the Age of Enlightenment.

The term was first introduced by Giorgio Vasari (Italian humanist). This means some significant step forward in all spheres of social life, and especially in the cultural sphere. Flourishing, coming out of the shadows, transformation.

The struggle between the Middle Ages and Antiquity

If it’s not yet very clear, I’ll explain it more simply. The fact is that Medieval culture, painting, poetry, and people’s very lives were very dependent on the church, hierarchy in society and religion. Medieval art is religious art, personality is lost here, it does not matter.

By the way, there are several foreign languages ​​on the pages of my blog!

Remember medieval Catholic frescoes and paintings. These are very frightening images that please the church. There are saints, righteous people, and in contrast the Last Judgment, terrible demons, monsters. A situation was created where being yourself, having ordinary human passions and desires was a sure path to hell. Only a pure-hearted, righteous Christian could hope for salvation and forgiveness.

Domanico Veneziano, Madonna and Child

The Renaissance is characterized by anthropocentrism and. At its center is a person, his activities, thoughts, aspirations. This approach is characteristic of the era of Ancient Culture. This is Ancient Rome, Greece. Paganism is being replaced by Christianity in Europe, and at the same time the canons of art are completely changing.

Rafael Santi, Madonna in Greenery

Now a person was considered as an individual, an important component of society. Man received freedom in art, which the strict laws of the religious culture of the Middle Ages never gave him.

The Renaissance, excuse the tautology, revives the period of Antiquity, but this is already its higher, modern level. Europe came under its influence in the period from the 15th to the 16th centuries. In Italy there will be a slightly different chronological framework of the Renaissance, I will tell you a little later.

Where did it all start?

It all started with the fall of the Byzantine Empire. If Europe was under the rule of the church for a long time, then in Byzantium no one forgot about the art of the Ancient period. People fled the crumbling empire. They took books, paintings with them, brought sculptures and new ideas to Europe.

Fall of the Byzantine Empire

Cosimo de' Medici founded Plato's Academy in Florence. Rather, it revives it. All this was inspired by the speech of one Byzantine lecturer.

Cities are growing, and the influence of classes, such as artisans, merchants, bankers, and craftsmen, is growing. The hierarchical value system is absolutely not important to them. The humble spirit of religious art is incomprehensible and alien to them.

A modern movement appears - humanism. It is precisely this that has a powerful influence on the new art of the Renaissance. European cities sought to develop progressive centers of science and art.

This area came under the influence of the Church. Of course, the Middle Ages, with their bonfires and book burnings, set back the development of civilization by decades. Now, with huge strides, the Renaissance sought to catch up.

Italian Renaissance

Fine art is becoming not only an important component of the era, but also a necessary activity. People now need art. Why?

Rafael Santi, portrait

A period of economic recovery is coming, and with it a gigantic shift in people's minds. The entire consciousness of a person was no longer aimed only at survival, new needs appeared.

To portray the world as it is, to show real beauty and real problems - this is the task of those who became iconic figures of the Italian Renaissance.

It is believed that this movement appeared in Italy. Moreover, it arose since the 13th century. Then the first beginnings of a new movement appear in the works of Paramoni, Pisano, then Giotto and Orcagna. It only finally took root in the 1420s.

In total, 4 major stages in the formation of the era can be distinguished:

1. Proto-Renaissance (what happened in Italy);
2. Early Renaissance;
3. High Renaissance;
4. Late Renaissance.

Let's look at each period in more detail.

Proto-Renaissance

Still closely associated with the Middle Ages. This is a period of gradual transition from the traditions of old times to new ones. It took place in the period from the 2nd half of the 13th century to the 14th century. Slightly slowed down its development due to the global plague epidemic in Italy.

Proto-Renaissance, Andrea Mantegna, San Zeno altarpiece in Verona

The painting of this period is best characterized by the works of the masters of Florence Cimabue, Giotto, as well as the Siena School - Duccio, Simone Martini. Of course, the most important figure of the proto-Renaissance is considered to be the master Giotto. Truly a reformer of the canons of painting.

Early Renaissance

This is the period from 1420 to 1500. We can say this is the time of a smooth transition to a new trend. Still borrows a lot from the art of yesteryear. New trends and images are mixed into it, and many everyday motifs are added. Painting and architecture, literature are becoming less and less figurative, more and more “human”.

Early Renaissance, Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine, Firenze

High Renaissance

The magnificent heyday of the Renaissance occurred between 1500 and 1527 in Italy. Its center is transferred from Florence to Rome. Pope Julius II favors the new mood, which significantly helps the craftsmen.

Sistine Madonna, Raphael Santi, High Renaissance

He is an enterprising, modern man, and allocates funds to create works of art. The best frescoes in Italy are painted, churches, buildings, palaces are built. It is considered completely appropriate to borrow the features of Antiquity in the creation of even religious buildings.

The most iconic artists of Italy during the High Renaissance are Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael Santi.

I was in the Louvre in March 2012, there were not many tourists and I calmly and with pleasure was able to look at the painting “Mona Lisa”, which is also called “La Gioconda”. Indeed, no matter which side of the hall you go, her eyes are always looking at you. Miracle! Is not it?

Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci

Late Renaissance

Took place from 1530 to 1590-1620s. Historians agreed to reduce the work of this period into a single one only conditionally. There were so many new directions that it was dizzying. This applies to all types of creativity.

Then the Counter-Reformation triumphed in Southern Europe. They began to look very warily at the excessive glorification of the human body. There were many opponents of a bright return to Antiquity.

Veronese, Marriage at Cana, Late Renaissance

As a result of such a struggle, the style of “nervous art” appears - mannerism. There are broken lines, contrived colors and images, sometimes too ambiguous, and sometimes exaggerated.

In parallel with this, the works of Titian and Palladio appeared. Their work is considered significant for the late Renaissance; it is completely unaffected by the crisis trends of that century.

The philosophy of those periods finds a new object of study: the “universal” person. Here philosophical trends intertwine with painting. For example, Leonardo da Vinci. His works represent the idea of ​​the absence of boundaries, limits for the human mind.

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The era takes over the North

Yes, it all started in Italy. Then the current moved on. I would like to say just a few words about the Northern Renaissance. Later, it came to the Netherlands, Germany and France. There was no Renaissance in that classical sense, but the new style conquered Europe.

Gothic art prevails, and human knowledge fades into the background. Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein the Younger, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Pieter Bruegel the Elder stand out.

The best representatives of the whole era

We talked about the history of this interesting period. Let's now take a closer look at all its components.

Renaissance Man

The main thing is to understand - who is the man of the Renaissance?
Philosophers will help us here. For them, the object of study was the mind and capabilities of the person who creates. It is the mind that distinguishes Man from everything else. Reason makes him Similar to God, because Man can create, create. This is a Creator, a person who creates new things, a constantly developing person.

It is at the intersection of Nature and Modernity. Nature gave him an incredible gift - a perfect body and powerful intellect. The modern world opens up endless possibilities. Education, fantasy and its implementation. There are no limits to what a person is capable of.

Vitruvian Man, Leonardo Da Vinci

The ideal of the human personality is now: kindness, strength, heroism, the ability to create and create a new world around oneself. The most important thing here is personal freedom.

The idea of ​​a person is changing - now he is free, full of strength and enthusiasm. Of course, such an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bpeople motivated them to do something great, meaningful, important.

“Nobility is like a kind of radiance emanating from virtue and illuminating its owners, no matter what their origin.” (Poggio Bracciolini, 15th century).

Development of science

The period of the XIV-XVI centuries became significant in the development of science. What's happening in Europe?

• This is the period of great geographical discoveries;
• Nicolaus Copernicus changes people's understanding of the Earth, proves that the Earth revolves around the Sun;
• Paracelsus and Vesalius make huge leaps in medicine and anatomy. For a long time, dissection and study of human anatomy was a crime, a desecration of the body. Knowledge of medicine was completely incomplete, and all research was forbidden;
• Niccolo Machiavelli explores sociology, the behavior of people in groups;
• The idea of ​​an “ideal society” appears, Campanella’s “City of the Sun”;
• Since the 15th century, printing has been actively developing, many works have been published for the people, scientific and historical works are becoming available to anyone;
• Active study of ancient languages ​​and translations of ancient books began.

Illustration for the book City of the Sun, Campanella

Literature and Philosophy

The most prominent representative of the era is Dante Alighieri. His “Comedy” or “Divine Comedy” was admired by his contemporaries; it was made an example of pure literature of the Renaissance.

In general, the period can be characterized as the glorification of a harmonious, free, creative, comprehensively developed personality.

Francesco Petrarch's free sonnets about love reveal the depths of the human soul. In them we see a secret, hidden world of feelings, suffering and joy from love. A person's emotions come first.

Petrarch and Laura

Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolo Machiavelli, Ludovico Ariosto and Torquato Tasso glorified the era with their works of completely different styles. But they became classic for the Renaissance.

Of course, romantic stories, stories of love and friendship, funny stories and tragic novels. Here is Boccaccio's Decameron, for example.

Decameron, Boccaccio

Pico della Mirandola wrote: “O the highest and most delightful happiness of man, to whom it is given to possess what he wants and to be what he wants.”
Famous philosophers of this era:

• Leonardo Bruni;
• Galileo Galilei;
• Niccolo Machiavelli;
• Giordano Bruno;
• Gianozzo Manetti;
• Pietro Pomponazzi;
• Tommaso Campanella;
• Marsilio Ficino;
• Giovanni Pico della Mirandola.

Interest in philosophy is growing sharply. Free thinking ceases to be something forbidden. The topics for analysis are very diverse, modern, and topical. There are no longer topics that are considered inappropriate, and the reflections of philosophers are no longer just to please the church.

art

One of the fastest growing areas is painting. Of course, so many new topics have appeared. Now the artist also becomes a philosopher. He shows his view on the laws of nature, anatomy, life prospects, ideas, light. There are no more prohibitions for those who have talent and want to create.

Do you think the topic of religious painting is no longer relevant? Quite the opposite. The Renaissance masters created amazing new paintings. The old canons are disappearing, their place is taken by three-dimensional compositions, landscapes and “worldly” attributes appear. The saints are dressed realistically, they become closer, more humane.

Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam

Sculptors also enjoy using religious themes. Their creativity becomes more free and frank. The human body and anatomical details are no longer taboo. The theme of the ancient gods returns.

Beauty, harmony, balance, the female and male body come first. There is no prohibition, modesty or depravity in the beauty of the human body.

Architecture

The principles and forms of ancient Roman art are returning. Now geometry and symmetry prevail, and much attention is paid to finding ideal proportions.
Back in fashion:

1. niches, hemispheres of domes, arches;
2. aedicules;
3. soft lines.

They replaced the cold Gothic outlines. For example, the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Villa Rotonda. It was then that the first Villas appeared - suburban construction. Usually, large complexes with gardens and terraces.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Huge contributions to architecture were made by:

1. Filippo Brunelleschi is considered the “father” of Renaissance architecture. He developed the prospect theory and the order system. It was he who created the dome of the Florence Cathedral.
2. Leon Battista Alberti - became famous for rethinking the motifs of early Christian basilicas* from the time of Constantine.
3. Donato Bramante - worked during the High Renaissance. Famous for its precise proportions.
4. Michelangelo Buonarroti - the main architect of the Late Renaissance. He created St. Peter's Basilica and the Laurentian staircase.
5. Andrea Palladio is the founder of classicism. He created his own movement, called Palladianism. He worked in Venice, designing the largest cathedrals and palaces.

During the Early and High Renaissance, the best palaces in Italy were built. For example, Villa Medici in Poggio a Caiano. Also, Palazzo Pitti.

The predominant colors were blue, yellow, purple, brown.

In general, the architecture of that time was distinguished by its stability on the one hand, and on the other - smooth lines, semicircular transitions and complex arches.

The premises were spacious, with high ceilings. Decorated with wood or foliage ornaments.

*Basilica - church, cathedral. It has a rectangular shape and one or more (odd number) naves. Characteristic of the early Christian period, and the form itself originated from ancient Greek and Roman temple buildings.

New building materials began to be used. The base is stone blocks. Began to be processed in different ways. New building solutions are appearing. This is also a period of active use of plaster.

Brick becomes a decorative and structural material. Glazed brick, terracotta and majolica are also used. Much attention is paid to decorative details and the quality of their workmanship.

Now metals are also used for decorative processing. These are copper, tin and bronze. The development of carpentry makes it possible to make amazingly beautiful, openwork elements from hardwood.

Music

The influence of folk music is becoming increasingly stronger. Vocal and vocal-instrumental polyphony is developing rapidly. The Venetian School was especially successful here. New musical styles appear in Italy - frottola and villanelle.

Caravaggio, Musician with Lute

Italy is famous for its bowed instruments. There is even a struggle between the viol and the violin for the best performance of the same melodies. New styles of singing are taking over Europe - solo song, cantata, oratorio and opera.

Why Italy?

By the way, why did the Renaissance begin in Italy? The fact is that most of the population lived in cities. Yes, this is a situation unusual for the period of the XIII-XV centuries. But, if there were no special circumstances, would all the masterpieces of the Epoch appear?

Trade and crafts developed rapidly. It was simply necessary to study, invent, and improve the products of one’s labor. This is how thinkers, sculptors, and artists appeared. Products had to be made more attractive, books with illustrations sold better.

Trade always means travel. People needed languages. They saw a lot of new things in their travels and tried to introduce them into the life of their city.

Vasari, Florence

On the other hand, Italy is the heir to the Great Roman Empire. The love of beauty, the remnants of ancient culture - all this is concentrated in the cities of Italy. Such an atmosphere simply could not help but encourage talented people to make new discoveries.

Scientists believe that another reason is the Western, and not the Eastern, type of Christian religion. It is believed that this is a special form of Christianity. The outer side of the country's Catholic life allowed for a certain freedom of thought.

For example, the emergence of “anti-popes”! Then the pontiffs themselves argued for power, using inhumane, completely illegal methods to achieve their goals. The people followed this, realizing that in real life Catholic principles and morals do not always work.

Now God became an object of theoretical knowledge, and not the center of human life. Man was clearly separated from God. Of course, this gave rise to all sorts of doubts. Science and culture develop in such conditions. Naturally, art becomes divorced from religion.

Friends, thank you for reading my articles! I hope this has cleared up some important points about the Italian Renaissance.

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What is the Renaissance?

Renaissance is a globally significant era in the cultural history of Europe, which replaced the Middle Ages and preceded the Enlightenment. It falls - in Italy - at the beginning of the 14th century (everywhere in Europe - from the 15th-16th centuries) - the last quarter of the 16th centuries and in some cases - the first decades of the 17th century.

The term Renaissance is already found among Italian humanists, for example, Giorgio Vasari. In its modern meaning, the term was introduced into use by the 19th century French historian Jules Michelet. Nowadays, the term Renaissance has become a metaphor for cultural flourishing.

The distinctive features of the Renaissance are anthropocentrism, that is, an extraordinary interest in man as an individual and his activities. This also includes the secular nature of culture. Society is becoming interested in the culture of antiquity, and something like its “revival” is taking place. This, in fact, is where the name of such an important period of time came from. Outstanding figures of the Renaissance include the immortal Michelangelo, Niccolo Machiavelli and the ever-living Leonardo da Vinci.

Renaissance literature is a major movement in literature, an integral part of the entire culture of the Renaissance. Occupies the period from the 14th to the 16th centuries. It differs from medieval literature in that it is based on new, progressive ideas of humanism. A synonym for Renaissance is the term "Renaissance", of French origin.

The ideas of humanism first emerged in Italy and then spread throughout Europe. Also, the literature of the Renaissance spread throughout Europe, but acquired its own national character in each individual country. The term Renaissance means renewal, the appeal of artists, writers, thinkers to the culture and art of antiquity, imitation of its high ideals.

In addition to humanistic ideas, new genres emerged in the literature of the Renaissance, and early realism was formed, which was called “Renaissance realism.” As can be seen in the works of Rabelais, Petrarch, Cervantes and Shakespeare, the literature of this time was filled with a new understanding of human life. It demonstrates a complete rejection of the slavish obedience that the church preached.

Writers present man as the highest creation of nature, revealing the richness of his soul, mind and the beauty of his physical appearance. Renaissance realism is characterized by the grandeur of images, the ability for great sincere feeling, poeticization of the image and a passionate, most often high intensity of tragic conflict, demonstrating the clash of a person with hostile forces.

The literature of the Renaissance is characterized by a variety of genres, but still some literary forms dominated. The most popular was the novella. In poetry, the sonnet is most clearly manifested. Also, dramaturgy, in which the Spaniard Lope de Vega and Shakespeare in England became most famous, is gaining great popularity. It is impossible not to note the high development and popularization of philosophical prose and journalism.

The Renaissance, which began in Italy in the first quarter of the 15th century, turned the medieval world upside down, changing it forever. Translated from French or Italian, “renaissance” means “born again,” which is associated with the revival of ancient traditions in art. The Renaissance is a magnificent breakthrough for humanity, there can be no doubt about it. During that period, wonderful works of painting, sculpture, and architecture were created. Great books have been written (and published). The creations of human genius, created by famous masters of the past, continue to delight to this day and will never lose their charm.

Scary Middle Ages

It is considered a well-known fact that the Renaissance replaced the Middle Ages, which were, as usual, dark, certainly harsh, and characterized by various religious atrocities - everyone has heard about the Inquisition. There are sources that directly state that due to the machinations of the insidious Catholic Church, the Renaissance fell into decline.

In part, this view of things has a right to exist, but it is unlikely that the merits of the clergy in this process are so great. It’s just that human society develops cyclically, each revolution is followed by a reaction, and the Renaissance became a victim of completely natural processes, especially since many of its ideas were alien to the ignorant society of those times suffering from numerous epidemics. It is very difficult to instill in a person his divine essence when he is poor, dependent and in constant fear.

Church as a stronghold of civilization

Some historians directly accuse the Middle Ages of various crimes against humanity, even where this is not true. For example, some sources take the liberty of asserting that science did not develop in the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, many modern European universities appeared on the site of former monasteries (Oxford) or through the efforts of clergy (Sorbonne).

There is no point in denying that almost all education in ancient times was church-based (and continued to be so for many decades). This is easily explained: the highest percentage of elementary literate people concentrated in the clergy, and if this is so, then who should teach “their foolish brothers” if not monks and other clergy?

The development of civilization is continuous. Even though sometimes humanity had to take a step back, the culture of the Renaissance would never have taken place in the form in which we know it if it had not gone through its thorny path in the darkness of the Middle Ages. Thus, great literary works would not have been born if they had not been preceded by centuries of work by numerous nuggets (whose work we call folklore only because their names remained unknown). If medieval chivalric poetics had not existed, it is unlikely that both Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” and Petrarch’s sonnets would have happened.

The seeds must fall on fertile soil

Contrasting the previous era with the next one is not very correct. Voltaire argued that history is a myth, which everyone agreed upon. It is impossible not to recognize the truth of this witty statement. The history of the Renaissance, a complex and diverse phenomenon, cannot be interpreted unambiguously. There are a huge number of versions explaining this grandiose event in the annals of mankind, many of which have the right to exist.

The school-derived belief that Renaissance artists suddenly discovered it and unanimously began to imitate it must be considered schematic. After all, examples of creativity of Greco-Roman art did not disappear anywhere, significant works of ancient authors were translated starting from the 8th century, but no Renaissance occurred for another eight centuries.

Of course, the fall of the Second Rome (Constantinople) when cultural figures (and others) frightened by the Muslim horde rushed to the West, taking with them libraries, icons and (most importantly) their knowledge and experience, played a huge role. After all, the influence of Byzantium on Renaissance art is undeniable. The Roman Church may have rejected icon painting, but it grew in a different field. The icon of the Mother of God and the famous “Sistine Madonna” by Michelangelo, with all the differences - both in technique and in content - are an image of the same woman with the same baby.

Confluence of favorable circumstances

The Renaissance became possible due to a confluence of many factors and reasons, one of which is indeed that the Renaissance is a kind of response to the Catholic Church, whose influence in those days was colossal, its wealth incalculable, and its desire for power insatiable. This state of affairs gave rise to a powerful protest in society: few people like the harsh dogmas and asceticism prescribed in all spheres of life. A person had to constantly feel a higher (and hostile) force on him, which at any moment could fall on him, punishing him for his sins. The demands of the Holy Church contradicted human nature itself.

The second factor, of course, is the rapid formation of the state. Secular power, having acquired a harmonious hierarchy and significant means to lead its subjects, was not at all eager to cede the palm to spiritual power. Examples of brutal battles between the church and powerful monarchs are not at all uncommon in history. The Renaissance owes its demise to one of them.

The third reason is probably the fact that the Renaissance was a time when cultural life happily left the monasteries, where it had been locked up for many years, and concentrated in rapidly growing and richer cities. Severe dogmas that ordered artists to paint only this way and no other way, restrictions on subject matter, etc. could not arouse delight in truly talented people. They sought freedom, they got it.

The fourth, important condition for the emergence of the Renaissance was money, no matter how cynical it may sound. It is no coincidence that grateful descendants owe it to Italy, which was the richest country in those days, for the appearance of this wonderful style. The Renaissance was not born in poverty. The dogma that an artist must be hungry is untenable. The entire Renaissance era is proof of this. The creator must also eat - which means he needs orders, means and space to use his talent.

Blessed Florence

All this was found in Florence, and not least thanks to the ruler of the city, Lorenzo the Magnificent. The nobleman's court was brilliant. The most talented painters, sculptors and architects found a reliable patron in Lorenzo. Numerous palaces, temples, chapels and other architectural works were built in the city. Painters received numerous orders.

As a rule, it is customary to separate three periods of the Renaissance, but some researchers include another one - the so-called Proto-Renaissance, still closely associated with the Middle Ages, but already acquiring new, permeated with light features. One of the most notable events of that time is the construction of the Florence Cathedral (XIII century) - a magnificent structure with wonderful interior decoration.

Early Renaissance

After “preliminary preparation,” the Early Renaissance appeared on the scene: historians call the years of the beginning and end of this period quite unanimously - from 1420 to 1500. It took eighty years to free ourselves from the strict canons dictated by the church and turn to the heritage of our glorious ancestors. During this period, imitation of ancient models became widespread. Images of the naked human body with a loving reflection of the smallest muscles and veins characterize a new style, unknown to Catholic Europe. The Renaissance became a real hymn to earthly beauty, which was sometimes sung in such frank forms that would have horrified viewers some hundred and fifty years ago.

It cannot be said that such trends were understood by all contemporaries: there were ardent fighters against the Renaissance who, thanks to their activities, achieved dubious eternal glory in the field of obscurantism. The clearest example is the head of the Florentine Dominican monastery - Savonarola. He was an inexhaustible critic of humanistic “obscenity” and did not hesitate to burn works that outraged him so much. Among the irretrievable losses are several paintings by famous masters of the era, including Sandro Botticelli. His brushes include such Renaissance works as “The Birth of Venus”, “Spring”, “Christ in the Crown of Thorns”. It must be said that almost all of the author’s surviving paintings are devoted to biblical themes, and it is difficult for a modern person to understand what could outrage the stern Dominican in them.

However, the process was started, and it was not humanly possible to stop it. Savonarola died in 1498, and the Renaissance continued to march across the country, conquering new cities - Rome, Venice, Milan, Naples.

Among the most notable and characteristic representatives of the Early Renaissance are the sculptor Donatello and the artists Giotto and Masaccio. During this period, the laws of perspective, discovered in the 15th century, were first applied in painting. This made it possible to subsequently create three-dimensional, three-dimensional paintings of the Renaissance - this was previously inaccessible to artists.

In architecture, the vector of further development was set by Filippo Brunelleschi, who created the magnificent dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

High Renaissance

The peak of the development of the era was the third period of the Renaissance - the High Renaissance. It lasted only 27 years (1500-1527) and is associated primarily with the work of the great masters, whose names each of us knows: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael.

At this time, the cultural capital of Europe was transferred from Florence to Rome. The new Pope Julius II (acceded to the throne in 1503) was an extraordinary man, a great admirer of art and the owner of rather broad views. If it were not for the clergyman, people would not have seen many works of art, which are rightfully considered pearls of the world cultural heritage.

The best craftsmen, marked with the stamp of genius, receive numerous orders. The city is buzzing with construction. Architects, sculptors and painters work shoulder to shoulder (and sometimes “combining positions”), creating their immortal works. At this time, the construction of St. Peter's Cathedral, the most famous and grandiose temple of the Catholic faith, was designed and began.

The painting of the Sistine Chapel, made by Michelangelo with his own hand, embodies all the meaning, perfection and beauty that the artists of the Renaissance gave us, who chose Man (that’s right, with a capital M) as the center of their Universe: a god-like being, a creator whose possibilities are almost limitless.

Everything comes to an end

In 1523, Clement VII became Pope and immediately got involved in a war with Emperor Charles V, creating the so-called League of Cognac, which included Florence, Milan, Venice, and France. The Pontiff did not want to share his power with the Habsburgs, and the Eternal City had to pay for it. In 1527, the army of Charles V, which had not received a salary for a long time (the emperor was overextended during military operations), first besieged and then broke into Rome and plundered its palaces and temples. The great city was depopulated, and the High Renaissance came to an end.

The Encyclopedia Britannica claims that as a whole historical era, the Renaissance, the century (1420-1527) that ruled in blessed Italy, has ended. Those who disagree with the compilers of the world's most famous reference book call the period that began after 1530 the Late Renaissance and still cannot agree on when it ended. There are arguments in favor of the 1590s, and the 1620s, and even the 1630s, but it is unlikely that individual residual phenomena can be signs of an entire era.

Age of Degeneration

At this time, cultural phenomena were very diverse, movements appeared that were considered manifestations of crisis and degeneration in art (for example, Florentine mannerism). It is characterized by a certain pretentiousness, excessive detail, and a focus on the “artist’s idea,” accessible only to a narrow circle of experts. The sculpture, architecture and painting of the Renaissance, which were in a tireless search for harmony, gave way to the unnatural poses, endless curls and monstrous colors characteristic of the new trend in the art world.

However, it is too early to talk about the final death of the Renaissance. In some cities of Italy, Renaissance artists continue to live, who remain true to the great traditions. Thus, the great Titian, who can be considered the brightest representative of the Renaissance, worked in Venice until 1576.

Meanwhile, Italy and Europe fell on hard times. Following the freedoms unimaginable in the Middle Ages that the Renaissance brought with it, a severe reaction began. The reformed Holy Inquisition again took the reins of power into its own hands. Bonfires blazed in the squares - the fire devoured both heretics and their works.

Almost all the books included by the new Pope Paul IV in the Roman “Index of Prohibited Books” were destroyed (a little earlier, corresponding lists were published in the Netherlands, Paris and Venice). The work of the inquisitors was difficult, because it was during the Renaissance that printing appeared - at the end of the 15th century, Guttenberg managed to create the first printed Bible. The heretical appeals of the humanists of the Renaissance did not spread in millions of copies, of course, but the holy fathers had something to do.

Historians say that religious persecution in Italy was the most merciless in Europe - a cruel reckoning for a century of freedom and beauty.

Northern Renaissance - one of the phenomena of the Renaissance

Most often, when they talk about the Renaissance, they mean the Italian Renaissance - this phenomenon was born and reached its greatest flourishing here. Today in Italy entire cities can be considered monuments of architecture, painting and sculpture of the era.

However, of course, the Renaissance was not limited to the Apennines alone. The so-called Northern Renaissance originated in Europe closer to the middle of the 16th century and gave the world many beautiful works. A characteristic feature of this style was the greater influence of medieval Gothic art. Here, less attention was paid to the ancient heritage than in Italy, and greater indifference was shown to the subtleties of anatomy. The creators of the Northern Renaissance include Durer, Van Eyck, Cranach. In literature, this event was marked by the works of Shakespeare and Cervantes.

The influence of the Renaissance on culture cannot be overestimated: it is enormous. Having rethought and enriched ancient culture, the Renaissance created its own - and gave humanity a huge number of immortal works of art, which, of course, improved the world in which we live.