Florence - Humanism part 2

Florence - Humanism part 2

1. Sources

   • Strathen
     • "It all would have appeared so fresh, so new"
     • "Lorenzo was very much the product of the Florentine intellectual tradition, on which he in turn would have such an influence"
   • Holmes
     • "not involved in the study of theology"
     • "The existence of [a] lay class of men who knew some of the classics"
   • Gattamelata by Donatello c.1453
     • Emulated an ancient Roman Sculpture of Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor)
   • Bergstein
     • "Establish a theme of victory ... in terms of recognised classical precedents"
   • Primavera by Botticelli c.1482
     • Commissioned by the Medici family
     • Shows humanist interest in the classical
     • Lavish themes / graceful figures
   • Adoration of the Magi by Bartolo di Fredi c.late 1300s
   • The School of Athens by Raphael c.1510-11
     • Based on the plans for St. Peters in Rome
     • Art that is a nod to the ancient world

2. Italy

   • Fervent desire to re-create
   • Re-Awakening of the classics
   • Independent city states were keen to represent themselves

3. Florence

   • Birthplace of the Renaissance
     • Secular base
       • People occupied professional / rational roles
     • Republican image
       • Ruled by a council
         • Useful to embrace humanism to give a republican image
         • Not elected
           • legitimise power
       • Plato and Aristotle discussed democracy
       • Appear 'enlightened' rulers
         • Image 'for the people'
     • Patronage
       • High level of patronage from powerful people/families
         • i.e. Medici family
   • Heart of the Renaissance
   • Trade
     • Practical over theological
     • Rationally minded people
       • i.e. legal profession, banking
       • Certain professions required knowledge of the classics
         • i.e. Roman law still in place

4. Medici

   • Villa di Careggi - HQ of the platonic academy
   • Lorenzo Medici
     • Influences
       • Humanist Education
         • Learnt Latin of the ancients e.g. Cicero
       • Platonic academy meetings
         • Learnt ancient Roman and Greek ideas
       • Expectations
         • e.g. expected to be well spoken
         • e.g. expected to promote the town / city - much like Cicero

5. Art / Sculpture

   • Classical / Renaissance
     • Gattamelata
       • natural proportions
       • Focuses on the importance of the individual
       • Equestrian work rivaled ancient sculpture
       • Doesn't depict humans as a deity
         • instead shows intelligence, courage and confidence
       • Symbolism
         • Orb as a symbol of power
       • humanist nature
     • Primavera by Botticelli c.1482
       • Autonomy/dignity of the individual
       • does not focus on a christian message
       • classical forms and realist technique
         • idealistic reality
       • focuses on human richness and experience
     • The school of athens
       • Classical architecture
       • Persepctive/depth
       • includes ancients e.g. aristotle, Plato, Tollemy
       • Hidden / deeper message
         • Stumbling block - religous message
     • Painting often blended Pagan and Christian
   • Medieval
     • Religious
     • Adoration of the Magi
       • simple religious message
         • no deeper meaning / hidden message
       • not naturalistic
       • poor proportions