Italy the birthplace of Renaissance

Renaissance
Period of rebirth of art and learning in Europe lasting from about 1300 to 1600
Humanism
Focusses on human potential and achievements
Secular
Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters
Patrons
People who are financially support artists
Perspective
An art technique that re-creates three dimensions
Vernacular
The use of native language instead of classical Latin

Renaissance men who excelled in many fields were praised as a universal man. A young man should be charming, witty, well educated, know how to dance, sing, play music, and write poetry. He should also be a skilled rider, wrestler, and swordsman. Renaissance women were expected to know the classics and be charming. They were expected to inspire art but not create it. They were better educated than medieval women but had little influence in politics.


It had thriving cities, a wealthy merchant class, and the classical heritage of ancient Greece.

They beautified Rome and other cities by spending huge amounts on the arts. They became patrons by financially supporting artists. Wealthy families were also patrons of the arts. They had their importance demonstrated by having their portraits painted in public squares.