Renaissance Overview...

Renaissance means "rebirth". It was a time when people were rediscovering ancient Greek and Roman ideas as well as making new discoveries.

The invention of the printing press lead to many cheap books and pamphlets about new ideas. Renaissance began in Italy and spread along trade routes to the rest of Europe
(above taken from: Shuter, J. (2000). The Renaissance. Des Plaines, IL: heinemann Library)

Humanists introduced idea of doing things for personal pleasure and enjoyment. Understood that this could be done without offending God. Began to enjoy luxurious possessions.People were still devout Catholics but became more worldly about other things

Religious leaders lived in mansions and hosted large, extravagant parties. Patrons of the Arts. Popes spent a lot of money beautifying their cities. Financially supported the arts. Merchants & wealthy families supported arts

Families would commission to have portraits painted Thought to demonstrate the family’s importance. All educated people were expected to create art
(above taken from:  Beck, R.B., Black, L., Krieger, L.S., Naylor, P.C., Shabaka, D.I. (1999). World history: Patterns of interaction. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell.)