Renaissance
Definition
The Renaissance was a period in European history, from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by a revival of interest in classical learning and values. It's known for its advancements in art, literature, science, and exploration.
Analogy
Think of the Renaissance as a massive cultural "spring cleaning." After a long winter (the Middle Ages), people started to rediscover and appreciate the beauty of classical knowledge that had been gathering dust. Just like when you find an old favorite book or toy in your attic and it sparks joy all over again.
Related terms
Humanism: A philosophical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings. During the Renaissance, this meant focusing on human potential and achievements rather than divine or supernatural matters.
Patronage: This is like being a sponsor or supporter. In the context of the Renaissance, wealthy individuals or institutions would financially support artists, scholars, and explorers to pursue their work.
Perspective: In art history terms, perspective refers to representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface (like a canvas) in a way that looks natural and realistic. This technique was developed during the Renaissance.
"Renaissance" appears in:
Study guides (5)
AP European History - 1.4 Printing
AP European History - 1.11 Causation in the Renaissance and Age of Discovery
AP European History - 4.1 Contextualizing the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
AP European History - 4.7 Causation in the Age of the Scientific Revolution
AP European History - 9.9 Decolonization
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (20+)
In which Italian city was the Renaissance born?
Which economic factor was vital in the rise of the Renaissance?
Who is credited with inventing the printing press during the Renaissance?
Which artist created the famous "Mona Lisa" painting during the Renaissance?
Which influential figure of the Renaissance is known for his works "The School of Athens" and "The Marriage of the Virgin"?
What did European society experience during the Renaissance and Age of Discovery?
What led to increased European overseas expansion during the Renaissance and Age of Discovery?
When did the Renaissance begin?
Which of the following is not an impact of the Renaissance and Age of Discovery on European society?
What is an example of a major work that was printed using the printing press during the Renaissance?
What was the impact of the Renaissance on 16th century society and culture?
What impact did the Renaissance have on the Catholic Church's political power during the state-building period?
Which of the following was a manifestation of individualism during the Renaissance and Reformation?
During the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in the classical works of ancient Greece and Rome. This led to the rediscovery and translation of many texts, which had a profound impact on the way Europeans thought about the world. What other development was influenced by this renewed interest?
Which Italian city is often regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance?
What period directly preceded the Renaissance in Europe?
In what century did Gutenberg's invention revolutionize printing and help spread knowledge during the renaissance?
What was a key philosophical concept that emerged during Renaissance, emphasizing human potential and achievements?
Who is famously known for developing the printing press during the Renaissance period?
Which city-state is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of the Renaissance?
Resources
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