Using Art to Define the Renaissance

Secularism - dealing with non-religious subject matter. The philosophy, literature, and art of the Renaissance began to include non-religious themes. Shakespeare, for instance, wrote plays that investigated very human topics like jealousy, love, revenge, and political power. See an example.

Humanism - studying topics related to humans, their accomplishments, and their potential. Among the most important topics in this return to classical education were history, literature, and philosophy (all of these are very "human" topics). Together, we refer to these topics today as "the humanities."

Individualism - belief in the unique and valuable qualities of each person in society. This idea emphasized the worth of all people and celebrated the things that made them different from others, including their physical appearance, personalities, talents, and skills.

Classicism - having an interest in the art and learning of the Greeks and Romans. Renaissance artists borrowed the Greek and Roman styles of sculpture and architecture. People also began studying long-forgotten books written during the Classical Age (2000 B.C.- 500 A.D.). This borrowing from the past helped shape the Renaissance view of what was important.

The Renaissance begins!

The diagram above lists characteristics of the Renaissance.
Click on each of the terms to see an explanation of how it describes this time period.

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