Renaissance and Reformation in 16th-Century Europe
Renaissance: Social and Cultural Transformations of Segrià in the 15th and 16th Centuries
Humanism
A cultural movement that developed fully in the 15th and early 16th centuries. Key characteristics:
- A shift from a theocentric worldview (where everything revolved around God) to a more anthropocentric one, with humanists focusing on human beings and their potential.
- Inspiration drawn from the literature, philosophy, and art of classical antiquity.
- A strong emphasis on the pursuit of truth through investigation, discussion of findings, and the value of personal reflection.
- A deep sense of curiosity and a desire for knowledge.
Key figures: Erasmus of Rotterdam, Thomas More, and Joan Lluís Vives.
The Renaissance Artist
The human being became the center of art, and artists took pains to express an ideal of beauty.
Architecture
Quattrocento:
- Brunelleschi: Dome of Florence Cathedral, Pitti Palace facade.
- Alberti: Rucellai Palace in Florence.
Cinquecento:
- In the 16th century, the great center of Renaissance architecture was in the city of Rome, where magnificent buildings were constructed under the patronage of Popes Alexander VI, Julius II, Leo X, and Clement VII.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Bramante (first draft), Michelangelo (modified the dome), and Maderno (completed the rest of the building).
Painting
Quattrocento:
- Florentine Massacio: Developed perspective.
- Botticelli: The most famous figure of the Quattrocento.
Cinquecento:
- Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
- Michelangelo: Sistine Chapel frescoes in Rome.
- Raphael: The School of Athens, Madonnas (or Virgins).
Sculpture
- Ghiberti: Gates of Paradise of the Florence Baptistery.
- Donatello: David.
- Michelangelo Buonarroti: Pietà, David, and Moses.
The Lutheran Reformation
Pope Leo X granted indulgences to those who contributed money for the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. Martin Luther responded by publishing his 95 Theses against indulgences. Luther began to disseminate his ideas, which became the foundation of Lutheranism. Key tenets:
- People are saved by their faith.
- Believers relate to God directly through prayer.
- The only source of truth is the Sacred Texts.
- The only true sacraments are Baptism and the Eucharist.
- The cult of saints and the Virgin Mary should be banned.
- Luther denied the authority of the Pope.
Charles V: The Beginning of the Reign
Charles V’s reign marked the height of a vast empire, making him the most powerful king of his time. He inherited the crowns of Spain and Aragon, along with their territories in America, Italy, the Mediterranean, and Africa (as Charles I). He also acquired the title of Holy Roman Emperor and the lands his family held (as Charles V). King Charles V, a foreigner accompanied by many foreign nobles, appointed them to key positions. He sought to become Holy Roman Emperor and faced the Revolt of the Comuneros in Spain, a rebellion that ultimately failed. The Castilians were favored as the most important part of his administration.
Reapers’ War (1637-1652)
The war began in Rosselló between 1637 and 1639. Castilian troops sent to fight the French remained in Catalonia, with the local population forced to provide them with food and lodging. This economic pressure led to episodes of violence. The tension culminated on the feast of Corpus Christi (Corpus de Sang), when rebels killed the Count of Santa Coloma. The General Council redirected the social protest against the policies of the Count-Duke of Olivares, leading to a generalized anti-Castilian reaction. Catalan institutions placed themselves under the protection of King Louis XIII of France. Catalonia was divided into two camps. After 12 years of conflict, Barcelona surrendered, and the Generalitat returned to the obedience of Philip IV.