Renaissance and Reformation, Part 2
Question 1: Define and explain the origins of the term “classical education.
Answer 1: Classical education evolved out of the humanist movement. It focused on detailed study and emulation of ancient Greek and Roman writers. A classical education focused on reading and writing the ancient Greek and Latin languages. More than merely translating and transcribing texts, students tried to understand how ancient writers thought. The students then tried to develop their own original works based on the knowledge passed on by ancient masters. Thus students built upon ancient teachings. The study of ancient Greek and Latin writings is still referred to as “Classics” today.
There are lots of good resources about Renaissance that you can find available.
Question 2: Explain the role of patronage in Renaissance art
Answer 2: Italian merchants and bankers established the precedent for the patronage system. The post-Crusades opening of trade created a new class of wealthy market-based business leaders in trade cities such as Florence. Nationalist interest in restoring the pride of Italian art and thinking led many of these wealthy individuals to invest their money in the arts. Patron families backed specific artists or schools and usually adorned their homes with images created by their supported visual artists. Many families accumulated impressive private art collections, some of which they later donated to the state for public viewing. As support for the arts expanded, monarchs and religious leaders became patrons themselves, further expanding the Renaissance. The most important patron family was the Medici of Florence, originating from Cosimo Medici’s support for artistic and educational projects in the 1400s. Medici’s personal regard for artists helped increase respect for the profession and encouraged patronage among other wealthy families.
Question 3: Describe the major works of the following: Petrarch, Machiavelli, Castiglione.
Answer 3: Francesco Petrarch — Humanist scholar and poet who focused on the need to live a virtuous life and avoid temptations of fame; promoted development of Renaissance lyric poetry; wrote love sonnets to Laura, an ideal woman Niccolo Machiavelli — Diplomat and historian who rejected idealism of writers like Petrarch; preferred to emulate the ruthless behavior of ancient Roman leaders; wrote The Prince (1513), a pragmatic approach to governing which advised rulers to be concerned mainly with maintaining their own power; spawned term “Machiavellian” to describe a ruthless politician; credited with birthing philosophy of modernityBaldassare Castiglione — Diplomat and writer who used voices of observers to reveal insights into royal and governmental events; wrote The Courtier (1528), a portrayal of real individuals engaged in a fictional story to describe how nobles should behave; mixture of historical actors with fiction made the book very popular among the educated classes.
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