In What Ways Did Italian Renaissance Scholars Embrace Classicism?

In what ways did Italian renaissance scholars embrace classicism and build upon it to create new school of thought?

Italian Renaissance scholars embraced classicism by rediscovering and studying ancient Greece and Rome’s literature, philosophy, and art. This renewed interest in classical culture led to a movement known as Humanism, which strongly emphasized the study of classical texts and the education and development of the individual.

The key figures of the Italian Renaissance

One of the key figures of the Italian Renaissance, Francesco Petrarca, was instrumental in promoting the study of classical literature and is considered one of the first humanists. He believed that studying classical literature would lead to a greater understanding of human nature and the world and improve individuals’ moral and intellectual development.

Another key figure of the Italian Renaissance, Giovanni Boccaccio, helped to establish humanism as a literary movement by promoting the use of vernacular language, rather than Latin, in literature. This made classical texts and ideas more accessible to a wider audience and helped to spread humanist ideas throughout society.

The art of the Italian Renaissance, as seen in works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, also reflected the influence of classicism. They drew inspiration from the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome and used the ideals of harmony, balance, and proportion to create new and innovative works of art.

In addition, the architectural style of the Italian Renaissance, as seen in works such as the Florence Cathedral and the Palazzo della Signoria, was also deeply influenced by classicism. Architects drew inspiration from the classical orders of architecture and used them to create new and unique designs.

In summary, Italian Renaissance scholars embraced classicism by rediscovering and studying ancient Greece and Rome‘s literature, philosophy, and art. This renewed interest in classical culture led to the movement of humanism, which strongly emphasized the study of classical texts and the education and development of the individual. The art and architecture of the Italian renaissance were also deeply influenced by classicism, reflecting the ideals of harmony, balance, and proportion to create new and innovative works.

Read this paper on The Evolution of Renaissance Classicism by World History Encyclopedia for more.

---

• 
  The Influence of Classical Rome Art and Architecture on Christian Art and Architecture

  The Influence of Classical Rome Art and Architecture on Christian Art and Architecture

  Defining the relationship between classical Roman art and early Christian art will hardly be possible without the mention of Roman Emperor Constantine. The man is largely responsible for Christianity’s transition from a persecuted sect of few individuals holding services in catacombs to becoming recognized as the empire’s official religion. Early Christian art also evolved from a pre-Constantine era to a post-Constantine era. Both periods had their fair share of classical Roman art to thank for their advent.

  how was the Christian art in the pre-Constantine era?

  In the pre-Constantine era, Christian art could almost as well be confused for Roman art at some point. Depictions of Christ did bear a striking resemblance to familiar gods or heroes, such as Apollo or Orpheus sometime around the 3rd-4th centuries. Before this, several paintings on ceilings and walls of Roman catacombs were the initial forms of Christian art. Indeed, the paintings had vivid imprints of Roman impressionism.

  how was the Christian art in the post-Constantine era?

  In the post-Constantine era, Christian art had to evolve to fit its new status of imperial importance. This was reflected heavily in early Christian architecture. Before Constantine, domestic architecture was all Christian art had to show. Post-Constantine, the traditional Roman temples were not options as they were pagan structures and lacked the design needed for Christian architecture. Christian churches needed wide interiors to accommodate a congregation and Roman temples had bigger exterior portions. This and several other factors birthed the foundation of early Christian architecture, the Christian Basilica.

  What are the main characteristics of the Christian basilica?

  The Christian Basilicas were huge, imposing structures with high walls that easily intimidated people with their sheer size. The architecture was, however, in no way an entirely new concept. Romans had been building basilicas for centuries before this time which served as courthouses, formal meeting places and audience halls in palaces.

  Early Christian art might have originated from Classical Roman art but it soon developed its distinct features. Art became extremely restrained and formal. A striking feature of human figures made was the enormous, peering eyes that depicted the ‘windows of the soul’. This shift appeared to be of severe emotional import, exactly what was needed for the religion.