Art and Culture
Who was Leonardo da Vinci?
He was a painter, inventor, and scientist with many talents.
Which Italian city is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance?
Florence.
Who was Albrecht Dürer and what was he known for?
A German artist known for realistic woodcuts and engravings.
How did the rediscovery of classical texts influence the Renaissance?
It introduced new ideas about politics, science, and philosophy.
Who invented the movable-type printing press?
Johannes Gutenberg.
Who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?
Michelangelo.
What was Machiavelli's main argument in *The Prince*?
That rulers should do whatever it takes to maintain power.
How did Renaissance ideas spread to northern Europe?
Through trade, travel, and the printing press.
How did trade contribute to the start of the Renaissance?
It brought new wealth and ideas into European cities.
What subjects did Renaissance scientists study more deeply? Name 2
Astronomy, anatomy, mathematics, and engineering.
What technique gave paintings a sense of depth during the Renaissance?
Perspective.
What type of government was common in Renaissance Italian city-states?
They were often ruled by wealthy merchant families or signori.
What is Christian humanism?
A blend of classical and Christian values focused on moral reform.
Why did the fall of Constantinople matter to the Renaissance?
Scholars fled to Italy with classical manuscripts.
How did the study of anatomy help Renaissance artists?
It allowed them to depict the human body more accurately.
How did Renaissance art differ from medieval art?
It focused on realism and the human body.
What role did the Medici family play in the Renaissance?
They were wealthy patrons who supported artists and scholars.
What made northern Renaissance art different from Italian art?
It focused more on daily life and used oil paints for detail.
What ancient cultures inspired Renaissance thinkers?
Greece and Rome.
Why was the printing press important for the Renaissance?
It made books cheaper and spread knowledge faster.
How did writers like Shakespeare reflect Renaissance ideas?
They explored themes like human nature, love, and fate.
Why was Florence ideal for the Renaissance to begin?
Its wealth from banking and trade supported art and education.
Who was Desiderius Erasmus and what did he believe?
A Dutch scholar who wanted to reform the Church from within.
What is humanism and how did it shape Renaissance thought?
A focus on human potential, education, and achievements.
How did Renaissance architecture differ from medieval styles?
It used domes and columns inspired by classical Greece and Rome.