“How was the Italian Renaissance an age in which life was a work of art?”

The Renaissance was an important time. It was a time when new ideas were formed, worldly

places became more important, and great people became known. All of which paved the way to

future inventions, philosophies, and life as we know it.

During the Renaissance, new possibilities were explored. One of which was a group of people

who called themselves Humanists. Humanism was a movement based on the literature and ideas

of ancient Greece and Rome. Humanists focused on secular themes, rather than those that were

religious. They also believed that individualism, human improvement and that people should

develop their talents through many activities. Humanism was influential in that more attention

was paid to literature, the arts and education.

Because education was becoming more important, more schools were opened. Students were

taught all that was taught in classical Greek schools such as Greek, Latin, history and

philosophy. The humanists strongly believed that education could help people to improve

themselves. Humanism also inspired literature to become more universal. Many authors were

discovered. Also, a form of poetry, called a sonnet, was developed.

The humanists were very important to the Renaissance, without their teachings much would

have been left undiscovered.

The city stated of Florence, Rome and Venice were also important parts of the Renaissance.

Florence was ruled by a line of successful and wealthy rulers. Florence produced many great

things. Great rulers, great architects, great sculptors and great painters. Thus leading the way

through art.

Rome was the leading renaissance city during the 1500’s. Many artists and scholars went to

Rome to be taught by master craftsmen. Rome also became a site of great religious increases.

Venice was a city of great trading. It linked Asia and Western Europe in trade routes, also

drawing traders from the rest of the world. Venice was also known for it’s artistic achievements.

Florence, Rome and Venice were three of the most influential powers during the Renaissance.

The arts were extremely important to the Renaissance, and very influential.

Architecture was modeled after classical Greek and Roman stylings. The greatest Italian

architect was Filippo Brunelleschi, who was best known for his completion of a cathedral in

1436.

Sculpture, as did architecture, reflected ancient Greek and Roman ideas. The best known

sculptors were Donatello, Michelangelo and Ghiberti. Donatello was the first sculptor to cast

free standing figures. Michelangelo was best known for his free standing figure of David, and

Ghiberti for his ten biblical scenes on Florence cathedral’s walls.

During the Renaissance, painting acquired a more realistic style. Some famous painters of the

time are Giotto, Michelangelo, and probably the most famous of all, Leonardo Da Vinci. Da

Vinci is best known for his works of The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

During the Renaissance, boundaries were explored, new heights were discovered and a whole

new way of life was found. The renaissance truly was an age in which life was a work of art not

only because art was so important to that time period, but because everything was original and

new. Without the renaissance, and the people who lived during it, such as Da Vinci, modern life

may not have been so modern.

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