I. Differences up North

A. Students take Renaissance from Italy to northern Europe

B. North – The Renaissance was a program for social reform based on Christianity; secularism was not a big player in the North

II. Thomas More’s Utopia

A. It described a perfect place, and no place

B. kids were educated in the classics, adults work then study

C. everything was held in common; More felt the root of all evil was the love of money and greed; so, if there’s no private wealth, then no problems!

D. Therefore, the institutions of society must be changed (to communal ownership)

III. Disiderius Erasmus

A. excellent classic scholar, esp. Greek

B. had a very Christianlike and responsible view of rulers

1. The Education of a Christian Prince – how-to book to be an ideal ruler with good character; compare it to Machiavelli

2. The Praise of Folly – farce of worldly wisdom & call for simple faith like children

3. Translation of the New Testament (he wrote in Latin, but encouraged any language)

C. Said Christianity focuses on Christ, not theologians’ writings. He was a prelude to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.

IV. Francois Rabelais’ Gargantua

A. Was wildly comic tale, spoof of society, and a call for reform.

B. It held discussions of religion, politics, philosophy, and education.

V. Art and Architecture – oils were introduced with amazing detail; architecture remained stoic and serious; there was no classic revival there.

VI. Politics in the Renaissance

A. France

1. They brought together regions.

2. They raised taxes.

3. “French church” established via Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges (saying a council was over the papacy); this was later rescinded by a Pope—France agreement, but France retained right to appoint clerics.

4. They strengthened the army.

5. They cut down aristocrats.

B. England

1. There were troubles in War of the Roses ‘til Machiavellian rulers wrestle power for House of Tudor.

2. There was no need for Parliament (money) due to king’s diplomatic maneuvering.

3. A “royal council” (of middle class folks) was set up as yes-men in Parliament.

4. “Court of Star Chamber” was established in Parliament to spy on and cut down nobility who opposed the king.

5. Justices of peace were the king’s arms in the land (not the army).

C. Spain

1. Independent kingdoms were unified one by one in the reconquista.

2. Hermandades were authorized by Ferdinand & Isabella as local police.

3. The purpose here was to cut down aristocrats.

4. The aristocrats were ousted from royal councils and replaced by middle class.

5. Inquisition – Jews were resented, “New Christians” were converted Jews who were questioned. The Inquisition turns to race as “true Spaniards” became defined as Catholic with only Spanish blood.

Art – go to abcgallery.com, then click “Movement Index”, then “Renaissance”

Look at:

Michelangelo – David, Pieta, Moses, Virgin and Child, Sistine Chapel

Leonardo da Vinci – The Last Supper, Mona Lisa, Vetruvian Man

Raphael – School of Athens, (notice the balance, symmetry – classic style, classic theme)

Donatello – David

Others of note – Botticelli (Birth of Venus), Ghirlandaio, Giotto, Massaccio, Verrocchio (David),

Just browse around and look ‘em over, and ooh and awe.