Lorenzo De Medici can be considered as one of the most influential men of the 13th century. His work in political affairs and administration were renowned in all Italy and his family could count on him in every aspect. Lorenzo was also a promoter of a new period called Renaissance. He was one of the first “mecenate” to explore this new way of art. In this project, I will concentrate how he developed art in Florence, giving a clear example through an Artist of that period that was working for him: Sandro Botticelli. His work “The Spring” is a well-defined example of what we can call “art in the Renaissance”, in particular for the Italian Renaissance.
The Renaissance can be considered an artistic period between the end of the Middle Age and the start of the Modern Age. The cultural movement touched every part of Europe but its origin and development are in Florence. This period is a synonym, a symbol of “change” in all the aspect of the humankind: it is the celebration of
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In this period, there are the bases for the creation of a new movement that will culminate during the 14th century. This particular view is enclosed in a sub-movement called humanism: humanists encouraged to put in the centre of the universe the man. The man is the main centre of the universe and of the thoughts. In this period intellectuals obtained answers in the works of the ancient classics, they embraced the classic culture, especially the ancient Greek culture, leading to the birth of a new science: The Philology, whose main learner was Lorenzo Valla. Classic themes are the inspiration for the artists: from poets to painters, they are all under this influence.
A rediscover of their history and recognition of early Greek philosophers changed the way that the influential families and Princes, in Italy, considered themselves. Their way of thinking of the Devine and need to promote one’s own aspirations through sponsorship of the arts, as well as, civic duty became not only fashionable but important to progress in the city states. Although Donatello’s David and Botticelli’s Primavera are master pieces in their own right, their influence on future generations of artists cannot be ignored. The spark that ignited the fire which we call the Renaissance was a transformation of societies thinking and values to a Humanistic approach to one duties to society and the church. These two works are a reflection of the changing attitudes which would eventually change all of
The Renaissance (A Very Short Introduction) written by Jerry Brotton has been illustrated into six illustrations: A global Renaissance, The humanist script, Church and state, Brave new worlds, Science and philosophy and Rewriting the Renaissance. Since this book is a history book, it is quite tough to read. This book is all about the past history which is related to the Renaissance. Honestly, I do not even have clear understanding on what is called “Renaissance” until I read this book. On page 9, under the subtitle of “Where and when was the Renaissance?” I finally found the meaning of Renaissance: the revival of classical culture. This word is come from Italian word which is rinascita. Then, French historian, Jules Michelet had come out with the definition of Renaissance. He define Renaissance as decisive historical period in European culture that represented a crucial break with the Middle Ages, and which created a modern understanding of humanity and its place in the world. He also promoted the Renaissance as representing a certain spirit or attitude, as much as referring to a specific historical period. But then, his Renaissance only took place on 16th century even though he had defined it from the previous century. There was also Jacob Burckhart, Swiss academic defined it as an Italian 15th-century phenomenon. By read it further, I found that these two persons read the vision of the Renaissance like a version of their own personal circumstances. Then again, there was also an Oxford-educated don, Walter Pater defined on this word. Similarly, in further reading, all these three thinkers had created 19th –century idea of the Renaissance as more of a spirit than a historical period.
January 1, 1449 was a day that the whole city of Florence would soon never forget that led them to be the most powerful city in all of Italy. Lorenzo de Medici was the baby that would control the city of Florence and lead Florence into a great state of royalty. Born into a family of powerful bankers that ruled Florence Lorenzo would soon enough lead the city and soon be called "il Magnifico". From mentoring of childhood to the ruling of adulthood Lorenzo was a light to the people in Florence.
In this paper I'm focusing mainly on Renaissance art work, since that was the assignment, but I feel it's important to also mention the other important parts of the Renaissance, architecture, science, politics and religion.
Lorenzo de Medici or also known Lorenzo the Magnificent( il Magnifico) was born on January 1st, 1449 in Florence, Italy. He was a patron of the arts, a Florentine salesman, and the ruler of Florence. It was known that he was the most brilliant of the Medici family. The Medici family gained power through wealth and trade, not by royal blood. Lorenzo grew up with the finest education, political connections, and wealth. Lorenzo ruled Florence with his brother Giuliano until 1478, when Giuliano was assassinated. He was the sole ruler from 1478 to 1492. Lorenzo chose to follow his father’s, Piero de Medici and his grandfather’s, Cosimo constitutional method as much as possible for his government. He ruled Florence through influence,
The Renaissance means the rebirth of ancient learning. The renaissance can be divided into two parts Early Renaissance (1420-1500) and High Renaissance (1500-1520). The Renaissance era was one of the most productive time periods in history as far as the advancement of music goes. At first it was rigid, structu...
Dante, Petrarch, Giotto, Brunelleschi, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo all would not be remembered without the influence of Lorenzo De Medici. Lorenzo De Medici is a key influencer of the Renaissance. He is best known for being a patron of the arts; however he had many accomplishments in both his artistic and political life. The Medici family is famous for having a political dynasty which Lorenzo furthered by enforcing control of Florence’s politics, diplomacy, and the establishment of schools, libraries, and churches (Wagner). He embodies the success driven mindset of the era and facilitated a balance of his responsibilities and passions in order to do so. Lorenzo De Medici integrated art and politics together, which enabled the Renaissance to
Lorenzo de Medici’s life and achievements caused him to impact the Renaissance. He was a very strong patron to the arts and supported many important artists. He had ties with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and many others in a circle of poets. (“Lorenzo de Medici (Lorenzo the Magnificent)”). He even supported architecture and many different aspects of the Renaissance. He helped artists secure
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance were different in their own unique ways. The Middle Ages, time was simpler. They relied more on the churches and their religious means. The Renaissance was during the year 1350 and didn’t last until 1700. The Renaissance means “rebirth” or “revival” (Background Essay). This was a time when art and science were popular and important. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the change of man’s point of view from the Middle Ages due to the Renaissance.
Lorenzo de’ Medici, a renowned statesman and patron of the arts, wasn’t acknowledged as “The Magnificent” for nothing. After his father, Piero di Cosimo de ' Medici, died in 1469, Lorenzo took the reigns as head of the Medici household and business, and thusly led Florence to its prime as one of the most powerful city-states in all of Italy. Lorenzo had the abilities capable of pulling off such a feat. In fact, it is said that, “Lorenzo was playing a part. Not a real Prince, he must act the prince. There were so many adults to impress.”(pg 184 of medici money) Through the use of tact and an unquenchable wit, Lorenzo would become an influential instigator of prosperity in Florence, thusly making it “magnificent” in its own right.
The shift between the Middle Ages and Renaissance was documented in art for future generations. It is because of the changes in art during this time that art historians today understand the historical placement and the socio-economic, political, and religious changes of the time. Art is a visual interpretation of one’s beliefs and way of life; it is through the art from these periods that we today understand exactly what was taking place and why it was happening. These shifts did not happen overnight, but instead changed gradually though years and years of art, and it is through them that we have record of some of the most important changes of historic times.
Leonardo and other Renaissance artists would not have been as successful or have the impact that they had if it were not for Patronage. Again, the influence the Medici family had upon the to the Italian Renaissance cannot be stated enough. Particularly Cosimo and Lorenzo Medici used their family’s financial capital to achieve political power, but also affect many Italians perception of reality. The Renaissance was about the move away from scholasticism toward humanism, but to not fully devoid the scholasticism’s existence and doing so by providing balance between the two. There is an important lesson to take from this its application to contemporary leadership. In order for leader’s ideas to take shape and reach the masses, we to need patrons who are willing to sponsor our visions. This sponsor does not necessarily need to be in the form of financial capital, rather, it is the support by believing and understanding that greatness comes from the unknown. Leadership in the 21st century is filled with qualified candidates that would serve as a “Modern-Day Medici”. These notable people include the likes of Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, or Paul Allen to name a few.
Florence, Italy was a city just like any other during the Renaissance. It was city of 50,000 people, less than there were in Paris and Venice but more than most other European cities. The busiest parts of the city were the Ponte Vecchio, a place lined with markets and houses, the neighborhood of the Orsanmichele and Mercato Vecchio, or the Old Market. Florence was a place of beauty and leisure. A Venetian visitor once said, “There is in my opinion no region more sweeter than that wherein Florence is a placed for Florence is situated in a plain surrounded on all sides by hills and mountains…And the hills are fertile cultivated, pleasant…” (Unger, pg. 1). Florence was a very prosperous city; it made fortunes off of wool and banking trades. A certain Florentine family contributed to the vast wealth as well. The Medici family was no doubt the foundation of prosperity for Florence.
Since the first prehistoric cave painting, and perhaps much before that, the human race has always used art as a form of expression. With the passing of each historical period came new technologies and techniques and were all influenced by the unique style, characteristics, and social conditions of those periods. Even though, each period discovered new forms and unique styles of art most historical periods were influenced by an earlier period of history. In this essay, I will explore the relationship, style, and influences of the Renaissance and Baroque periods and will also compare and contrast a work of art from both periods to further explain the relationship between the two eras.
The Renaissance, also known as the Middle Ages, is very historic because of the wealth and power that it held. Through economic and political aspects, it flourished into the ripe environment that it is known of today. Although the culture