Renaissance Overview

Front

What does the word 'renaissance' mean in French?

Back

Rebirth

Front

Why is the Renaissance period called a 'rebirth'?

Back

It represents a rebirth of classical Greek and Roman ideas and culture after the Middle Ages.

Front

Who were some notable explorers, scholars, reformers, scientists, and artists during the Renaissance?

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Explorers like Christopher Columbus, scholars like Machiavelli, reformers like Martin Luther, scientists like Galileo, and artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Front

Where was the birthplace of the Renaissance?

Back

Florence, Italy.

Front

What was the role of powerful merchant families in Florence during the Renaissance?

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They began commissioning paintings to decorate their palaces, allowing artists to experiment with new styles and subjects.

Front

What are some characteristics of Renaissance paintings?

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Bold and bright colors, attention to balance and harmony, and use of linear perspective.

Front

What is linear perspective in art?

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A technique that creates the illusion of depth by using mathematical planes to calculate the size of objects in relation to each other.

Front

How did the invention of oil paint impact Renaissance art?

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It allowed artists to create depth in their paintings, resulting in more realistic renderings of people and the world.

Front

What was the impact of the printing press during the Renaissance?

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The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg, allowed for the mass production of books, making literature and scholarly works more accessible and promoting literacy and education.

Front

Who was Niccolò Machiavelli and what was his contribution to political thought?

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Niccolò Machiavelli was a Renaissance political philosopher known for his work 'The Prince,' which offers advice on political leadership and is considered a foundational text in political theory.