Humanism, Reformation, Renaissance: Key Concepts
Humanism and the Printing Press
In the 15th century, economic and demographic recovery, along with the rise of the bourgeoisie, led to the growth of cities.
The New Way of Thinking
Humanism: a cultural movement from the early period.
Instead of placing God at the center of the world, human beings were put at the center (Anthropocentrism).
Characteristics of Humanism:
- Importance of Human Beings
- Appreciation of Ancient Greek and Latin Culture
- Interest in Scientific and Technological Progress
- Use of Vernacular Languages (Spanish, Italian, French)
Humanism began in Italy in the 15th century and spread through Europe in the 16th century (Machiavelli).
Famous Humanists:
- Petrarch: First humanist (Italian poet).
- Erasmus of Rotterdam: The most famous humanist.
- Thomas More and Machiavelli: Interested in political organization.
- Andreas Vesalius and Nicolaus Copernicus: Interested in human anatomy and the heliocentric theory.
The Printing Press
Until the 15th century, books were copied by hand.
The printing press, a machine with movable type, played an important role in spreading Humanist ideas.
Invented by the German, Johannes Gutenberg.
Lutheran Reformation
In the Middle Ages, people questioned the Church. Why?
- Luxurious lifestyles
- Lack of education
- Selling and buying of positions (simony)
Martin Luther
A German Augustinian priest and monk.
In 1517, he posted a list of 95 theses against Catholic doctrine.
The Reformation
Four Basic Principles:
- Salvation through faith
- The authority of the Bible
- Universal priesthood
They also denied the authority of the Pope.
The Expansion of the Reformation
- Lutheranism:
- Church: Martin Luther
- German princes and nobles wanted to extend their authority against Emperor Charles V and the Pope of Rome.
- Spread through Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
- Calvinism:
- Church: John Calvin (France [Huguenots], England [Puritans])
- Began in Switzerland with John Calvin and spread through France and England.
- Based on Predestination.
- Anglican Church:
- Henry VIII of England
- Started in England due to Henry VIII’s desire for an annulment from Catherine of Aragon.
- Some Catholic dogmas were maintained.
Counter-Reformation
Catholic authorities wanted to stop the spread of the Lutheran Reformation.
They began three initiatives:
- Internal reform
- New forms of worship
- Persecution of Protestants
Counter-Reformation Objectives
Its objective was to eliminate some of the abuses and defend Catholic dogmas.
- Pope Paul III convened the Council of Trent.
- Faith is important, but salvation was achieved through good acts.
- Reaffirmed the seven sacraments.
- Declared the Vulgate (Latin Bible) was the only valid version.
Principles of the Counter-Reformation:
- The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was founded.
- Discipline and dependence on the Pope.
- Devoted themselves to preaching and confession.
- Founded many colleges in many countries, including outside of Europe, extending their work.
The Renaissance
Renaissance: An artistic movement linked to Humanism.
Began in Italy (15th century: Quattrocento; 16th century: Cinquecento).
New Art Concepts
Renaissance artists drew from Greek and Roman masters.
What did they want to produce?
Classical antiquity: NATURE
Renaissance: scientific and rational spirit
What were they looking for?
Ideal beauty, Nature, Anatomy
Middle Ages: art only for religious function.
Renaissance: art for all rich people, but still for religious use.
Artists and Patrons
Artists were no longer anonymous and signed their own works.
Nobles abandoned feudal traditions.
- Nobles were members of blue-blooded families and patrons of the artists.
- Art became a commodity.
- Italian architects were inspired by Greek and Roman art.
- Subjects for sculpture included Greek and Roman mythology.
- Beauty of the human body was emphasized.
How Did Artists Find Beauty?
- Harmonious spaces were created.
- Buildings incorporated classical elements, with proportion and geometry being important (Ionic columns, domes, pediments).
- Inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman art.