By: Kaitlyn Burrola
What was the Renaissance? | When and where did the Renaissance begin?
Influences of the Renaissance | Art and Architecture | Music | Literature | Math and Science
How the Renaissance affects us. | Works Cited
What was the Renaissance? The Renaissance was the time period after the Middle Ages from the 14th century to the 17th century. This time period was named after the French word "rebirth." It was called this because Greek and Roman writings and ideas were revived.
When and where did the Renaissance begin? The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy in the 1300s and then spread throughout all of Europe.
Influential People: During the Renaissance there were many influential people Some of them were artists because they strove to portray the human form realistically. Political Philosophers were influential because they tried to improve the goverment based on reason. Authors were influential because they began increasing vernacular languages to allow many more people access to books such as the bible which was the 1st book printed. Lastly, scientists were influential because they found information about the universe such as how the planets revolve around the sun.
Art and Architecture: Michelangelo- He lived March 6, 1475 to February 18, 1564 near Arrezo in Caprese, Tuscany. Among his many works the most famous one is a painting that covers the whole ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. He also started to use perspective. He did this by making people in the back round smaller, using different colors in the back round, and making straigt lines appear diagonal. I picked Michelangelo because I think that it is fascinating that he can design buildings, carve sculptures, write poetry, and paint beautiful paintings.
Music: Nicolas Gombert- He was born around 1495 in southern Flanders. Most of the music he composed was in area of sacred music which is religious. He also brought polyphonic music to its highest point. One of his most popular compositions is the Cycle of Eight Magnificent Settings. I picked him because he wrote not only secular but a lot of sacred music which is what we sing at our masses every Sunday.
Literature: William Shakespeare- He lived from April 1564 to April 23, 1616 in Warwickshire, England. He was English poet and playwright. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer of the English language. One of his most famous plays is Romeo and Juliet. I picked him because I think that be able to write the number of amazing plays he wrote is a great accomplishment.
Math and Science: Nicolaus Copernicus- He was born February 19, 1473 to May 24, 1543. He was the first European astronomer to formulate the theory of the solar system. He figured out that the sun was at the center of the universe and the other planets revolve around it. He also presented a mathematical model of the heliocentric system which shows he was a mathematician as well. I picked Nicolaus Copernicus because I think to be able to think of the idea of the universe is an unbelievable achievement.
How the Renaissance affects us. The Renaissance affects us because during the Renaissance many inventions were made. We have started working and making progress off of their starting achievements. Without these inventions we would not be as far in literature, art, and astronomy.
Works Cited: "Renaissance." wikipedia . wikimedia. 25 Apr 2007 <http://www.wikipedia.org/>.
"Renaissance." Renaissance. The Western Tradition. 27 Apr 2007 <http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/>.
"Renaissance Theme Page." CLN Theme Page. <http://www.cln.org/themes/renaissance.html>.
Burstein, Stanley. World History Medieval to Early Modern Times . Student Edition. Orlando: Holt. Rinehart and Winston , 2006.