The bedrock of the Renaissance, Humanism was an intellectual movement that focused on the study of classical antiquity, particularly the literature, history, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. It shifted the focus from a purely religious worldview to one that emphasized human potential, reason, and individual achievement.
Key characteristics:
Key Figures: Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Thomas More.
Peak Period: 14th - 16th centuries
While Humanism was widespread, Florence became the undisputed cradle of the Renaissance. Fueled by wealth from trade and banking, and patronized by powerful families like the Medici, Florentine artists, scholars, and architects pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Key developments:
Key Figures: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Niccolò Machiavelli, Lorenzo de' Medici.
Approximate Period: Early 15th century - Early 16th century
As the Renaissance spread northwards across Europe, it took on its own distinct character. While still embracing classical learning, the Northern Renaissance often had a stronger emphasis on religious reform, detailed realism in art, and the application of humanist principles to social and political issues.
Key characteristics:
Key Figures: Jan van Eyck, Albrecht Dürer, Hieronymus Bosch, Desiderius Erasmus, Martin Luther.
Approximate Period: Late 15th century - 16th century
The High Renaissance represents the peak of artistic achievement in Italy, characterized by harmony, balance, and idealized beauty. This was followed by Mannerism, an artistic style that reacted against the balanced ideals of the High Renaissance, often featuring elongated figures, dramatic poses, and more complex compositions.
Key characteristics:
Key Figures: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael (High Renaissance); Pontormo, Rosso Fiorentino, Bronzino (Mannerism).
High Renaissance: c. 1490s - 1527 (Sack of Rome)
Mannerism: c. 1520s - 1580s
While not a single unified movement, the Renaissance witnessed a significant shift in scientific thought. A renewed interest in observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning began to challenge established Aristotelian and Church doctrines, laying the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution.
Key developments:
Key Figures: Nicolaus Copernicus, Andreas Vesalius, Galileo Galilei (bridging into the Scientific Revolution).
Periods of significant activity: 15th - 17th centuries