European Society in the Age of the Renaissance

...

the Medieval artists represented the human body with no glorification.

“International style” developed with rich color, decorative detail, curvilinear rhythms, and swaying forms.

Francesca pioneered perspective, or the linear representation of distance and space on a flat surface in painting.

The Status of the Artist

The position and ranking of artists improved in the Renaissance.

A prince usually commissioned an artist which helped their reputation.

Artists made a favorable amount of money for their commissioned work of art.

Renaissance society respected and rewarded the talented artist.

The Renaissance cultural was a mercantile elite. It did not directly affect the broad middle class or the urban lower class.

Social Change

Education and Political Thought

Humanists were concerned with education, moral behavior, and the training of rulers.

Vergerio wrote a treatise on education and included how history, ethics. rhetoric, and public speaking is important to learn.

The Courtier by Castiglione portrayed an ideal gentlemen with many skills like dance or speak and write fluently.

The Prince by Machiavelli was the mostly read and talked about how political power should be gained, maintained, and increased.

Machiavelli didn’t urge behavior without moral, but believed that political action cannot be restricted by moral considerations.

The Printed Word

Around 1455 the movable type was invented by Gutenberg, Fust, and Schoffer.

Paper became abundant and therefore there was no problem to printing.

Printing impacted much of European’s private and public lives.

Printing made propaganda possible.

Silent individuals formed a common identity and stood in the public.

Illiterate individuals were able to learn their language with the printing press.

Women in Renaissance Society

During the Renaissance the status of upper-class women decreased from their status during the Middle Ages.

Women married and therefore had to take care of domestic responsibilities and couldn’t reach their potential.

Educated women prepared to use their education to run the social functions of the home.

Women was not allowed to have sex before marriage while men could.

Rape was not considered a serious offense.

Infanticide was common and a Foundling Hospital was build to take in children.

Blacks in Renaissance Society

Beginning of the 15th century countless numbers of black slaves entered Europe.

Rare black servants were highly prized and sought after.

Black slaves occupied many positions such as maid, domestic servants, dancers and more.

...