Six Key Renaissance People

SIX KEY RENAISSANCE PEOPLE

I. MICHELANGELO -- the original “Renaissance Man” --means he was good at many things/jobs/skills --painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, poet -- influenced by Classical Civilizations --Classical= return to Greek and Roman cultures and heroes -- most noted for using realistic detail when portraying human body -- Three famous works: 1. Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel 2. The Dome at St. Petes 3. statue of David (pg 44 in your book)

II. DONATELLO -- known for realistic facial expressions in sculpting -- created the first large, free-standing nude sculpture since Romans --the bronze statue of King David (different from Michelangelo’s in that there was great detail in the face and muscle)

III. RAPHAEL --Painter --used “Perspective” to create a 3-D look to paintings -- used in engineering, architecture, drafting, etc. today --believed that facial expressions convey more than the colors --known for gentle and calming expressions

IV. LEONARDO DA VINCI -- Most famous Renaissance Man --Painter, Scientist, Engineer, Architect, Writer -- Began to wonder how things “work” in nature --“How does a muscle work?’ -- “Why do leaves change and fall?” -- “Vernacular”—language for the common man --wrote all of his books for “everyone, not the educated” --first to recognize and utilize slang terms --Famous Works: 1. Mona Lisa (Most interpreted and famous painting in the world) 2. The Last Supper (Both are famous for their vague facial expressions)

V. PETRARCH -- writer -- created sonnets --14-line poems with a very set and distinctive rhyme scheme --Shakespeare will use his idea to create “English Sonnets”; others will copy his “Italian Sonnet” format --“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” (Italian) --“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” (English) --Father of the “Humanist” Movement --let people take pride in their accomplishments and potential -- wrote in both Latin and the common language (universal writing)

VI. MACHIAVELLI -- Author of “The Prince” -- discussed ruling styles -- “The End will Justify the Means of Getting There” --brutality and trickery ok -- “A True Leader is both a Fox and a Lion” -- “A popular, well-liked rebel is the most powerful man in the country” -- “Fear is easy. Love is hard.” -- People are generally bad creatures; they have to learn to be good --jealous, mean, cruel, corrupt, rude, and selfish -- “Whatever one does to GAIN power, one must CONTINUE when in power.”