Renaissance Exploration

Glossary of Key Terms

• Humanism

  A philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. In the Renaissance, it marked a shift from medieval scholasticism to a focus on classical learning and human potential.

• Renaissance Man/Woman

  An individual who possesses broad intellectual interests and is knowledgeable in many different fields. Leonardo da Vinci is a quintessential example of a Renaissance Man.

• Patronage

  The financial support given by wealthy individuals, families, or institutions (like the Church) to artists, scholars, and writers during the Renaissance, enabling the creation of many masterpieces.

• Perspective (Artistic)

  A technique used in painting and drawing to create the illusion of three-dimensional depth on a two-dimensional surface. It was a major innovation during the Renaissance.

• Vernacular

  The native language of a region or country, as opposed to a learned language such as Latin. The increased use of the vernacular in literature during the Renaissance made works accessible to a wider audience.

• Reformation

  A major movement in 16th-century Europe that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. It coincided with and was influenced by Renaissance ideas.

• Medici Family

  A powerful banking family and political dynasty in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance. They were significant patrons of the arts and sciences, playing a crucial role in Florence's cultural flourishing.

• Printing Press

  Invented by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440, the printing press revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge, making books more affordable and accessible, and thus accelerating the spread of Renaissance ideas.