Western Civilization the Early Renaissance

Western Civilization

The Early Renaissance

The word Renaissance means "rebirth" and people living during the time began to see themselves as "reborn" from medieval, feudal times. The Early Renaissance formed the backbone for the movement that continued through several centuries, and it was encouraged by a new interest in learning about the ancient Greeks and Romans and their teachings, their democracy, and their thirst for knowledge. In fact, leaders of the movement designed Florence as a "new Athens" after discovering many books and writings from ancient times. The characteristics of this early movement were nearly all intellectual. People read more, patronized and supported the arts, and encouraged learning, personal and civic growth, and generally emerged from the "dark ages."

The arts flourished during this time, and no one really knows why. However, numerous artists rose to prominence during the Early Renaissance, and influenced those who came after. Public buildings were adorned with carvings and sculpture, painting thrived, and churches were decorated with paintings, frescoes, sculpture, and beautiful decorations inside and out. The Renaissance celebrated beauty and intellect, and the two combined to produce some of the best artwork and craftsmen the world has ever known, like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, and many, many more. This was partly because there was wealth enough to patronize the arts, and partly because the Medicis made it fashionable to commission public and private works from local artists. For example, the architect Brunelleschi created buildings that were testaments to the ancient buildings of Rome and Greece, which he studied. He designed the dome of the cathedral in Florence with these classic buildings in mind, and changed architecture from the gaudy medieval cathedrals to a more stately and dignified portrayal of religious belief and utility. Michelangelo rose to prominence under patronage by the Medicis, and his classic statue "The Pieta" was commissioned by a French cardinal, who originally planned to use the piece as a memorial on his own tomb. This is quite common of art at the time; it was commissioned by the powerful and the wealthy for their own enjoyment, but began to be shared with everyone. Thus, the intellectuals were envisioning the art and supporting it, but it was spreading throughout the people, becoming more and more popular, and changing the culture, the intellect, and the understanding of all.