Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Section 2Section 2

In the 1400s, the ideas of the Italian Renaissance began to spread to Northern Europe.

Renaissance ideas such as the importance of the individual are a strong part of modern thought.

Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo reflected the Renaissance spirit through their work.

Each showed an interest in classical culture, a curiosity about the world, and a belief in human potential.

Humanist writers expanded ideas about individuality.

By the late 1400s, Renaissance ideas had reached Northern Europe – England, France, Germany & Flanders.

Unlike Italy, England and France were united under strong monarchs.

Monarchs purchased paintings from artists, as a way to support the arts.

Northern traditions blended with renaissance ideas to form a new blend.◦ Northerners focused more on

realism.◦ Created plans for social

reform.

Trying to flee war, many Italian artists fled to Northern Europe.◦ Brought their styles and techniques.

Northern Europeans, studying in Italy, also brought back ideas from the Italian Renaissance.

New ideas led to critiques of the Christian Church for a failure to inspire people to live a Christian life.

Christian humanists sought to reform society, particularly education.◦ Founded a school for both

boys and girls.

Desiderius Erasmus ◦ Praise the Folly – poked fun

at greedy merchants, heartsick lovers, etc.

Thomas More◦ Utopia – Model of Society

(no war, corruption or greed) Utopia – Greek term that

means no place. Now used to mean an

ideal place.

Many families could not afford to send all their children to school.◦ Therefore, sent their sons.

Christine de Pizan ◦ One of the first women to

earn a living as a writer.◦ Questioned different

treatment of boys and girls.

Period when Renaissance spread to England (~mid-1500s).

Named after Elizabeth I.◦ Well educated◦ Supported development of

English art and literature.

Elizabethan Age Used classics for

inspirations. Deep understanding of

humans and their flaws. Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello,

Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream & The Taming of the Shrew.

Chinese invented block printing – not practical for Europeans.

~1440 Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press.◦ Produce books quickly &

cheaply.◦Bible was first book

printed with movable type.

How did this help spread ideas?

Period of great artistic & social change.

Changes in Art◦ Drew on techniques & styles

of Greece and Rome.◦ Paintings were individualistic

& realistic.◦Secular works.◦Vernacular languages, instead

of Latin, were used.◦ Praised individual

achievement.

Changes in Society◦ Printing – more information

available & less expensive. Increased desire for learning. Increased the use of the vernacular

and literacy rates.◦ Published new discoveries & legal

proceedings.◦ Views on how life should be lived.◦ Questioning political structures &

religious practices.