ARH2601 ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2024
DUE DATE: 24 AUGUST 2024
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Discuss how we see the influence of Greek and Roman art, literature and
philosophy in the development of Humanism in the works produced by Italian
Renaissance artists. In your answer you should note the role played by the
church and schools in the shift of perception that we see in art and culture of
the Renaissance period in contrast to the medieval era.
100 Marks
Title: How Greek and Roman Art, Literature, and Philosophy Shaped
Humanism in the Italian Renaissance.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Understanding Key Concepts: Classicism and Humanism
3. The Rise of Classicism and Humanism in the Italian Renaissance
4. The Artistic Influence of Greek and Roman Ideas
5. The Impact of Classical Literature and Philosophy
6. The Role of the Church and Educational Institutions
7. Comparing Medieval and Renaissance Art
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography
, 1. Introduction
The Italian Renaissance, spanning from the late 14th to the early 17th century, was a
remarkable period that reshaped European art and thought. This era witnessed a
revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture, which profoundly influenced
the development of Humanism. Humanism, with its focus on individual potential and
classical learning, transformed the intellectual and artistic landscape of the time. This
essay explores how ancient Greek and Roman art, literature, and philosophy
impacted Renaissance Humanism and examines the roles played by the Church and
educational institutions in facilitating this cultural shift.
2. Understanding Key Concepts: Classicism and Humanism
Classicism refers to the revival and adaptation of the art and cultural ideals of
Ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasises balance, proportion, and the idealised
representation of the human body. During the Renaissance, Classicism was more
than just a revival; it was an adaptation that blended ancient principles with
contemporary artistic practices, creating a new but familiar aesthetic.
Humanism was a central intellectual movement of the Renaissance. It emphasised
the study of classical texts and the importance of human potential and
achievements. Moving away from the medieval focus on divine and supernatural
concerns, Humanism centred on human experience and rationality. Humanists
believed that understanding classical literature, languages, and philosophy was
crucial for improving and appreciating human life.
3. The Rise of Classicism and Humanism in the Italian Renaissance
The Renaissance was marked by a revival of classical knowledge, driven by the
rediscovery of ancient texts and artefacts. Scholars like Petrarch and Boccaccio
were instrumental in reintroducing Greek and Roman ideas to Europe, sparking a
new intellectual and artistic movement.
Humanism emerged from this revival, with figures such as Erasmus and Thomas
More promoting the study of classical works. They integrated classical learning with
Christian teachings, creating a richer, more nuanced perspective on both fields. This
period also saw the establishment of new educational institutions that emphasised
classical studies, further spreading Humanist ideals.
DUE DATE: 24 AUGUST 2024
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Discuss how we see the influence of Greek and Roman art, literature and
philosophy in the development of Humanism in the works produced by Italian
Renaissance artists. In your answer you should note the role played by the
church and schools in the shift of perception that we see in art and culture of
the Renaissance period in contrast to the medieval era.
100 Marks
Title: How Greek and Roman Art, Literature, and Philosophy Shaped
Humanism in the Italian Renaissance.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Understanding Key Concepts: Classicism and Humanism
3. The Rise of Classicism and Humanism in the Italian Renaissance
4. The Artistic Influence of Greek and Roman Ideas
5. The Impact of Classical Literature and Philosophy
6. The Role of the Church and Educational Institutions
7. Comparing Medieval and Renaissance Art
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography
, 1. Introduction
The Italian Renaissance, spanning from the late 14th to the early 17th century, was a
remarkable period that reshaped European art and thought. This era witnessed a
revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture, which profoundly influenced
the development of Humanism. Humanism, with its focus on individual potential and
classical learning, transformed the intellectual and artistic landscape of the time. This
essay explores how ancient Greek and Roman art, literature, and philosophy
impacted Renaissance Humanism and examines the roles played by the Church and
educational institutions in facilitating this cultural shift.
2. Understanding Key Concepts: Classicism and Humanism
Classicism refers to the revival and adaptation of the art and cultural ideals of
Ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasises balance, proportion, and the idealised
representation of the human body. During the Renaissance, Classicism was more
than just a revival; it was an adaptation that blended ancient principles with
contemporary artistic practices, creating a new but familiar aesthetic.
Humanism was a central intellectual movement of the Renaissance. It emphasised
the study of classical texts and the importance of human potential and
achievements. Moving away from the medieval focus on divine and supernatural
concerns, Humanism centred on human experience and rationality. Humanists
believed that understanding classical literature, languages, and philosophy was
crucial for improving and appreciating human life.
3. The Rise of Classicism and Humanism in the Italian Renaissance
The Renaissance was marked by a revival of classical knowledge, driven by the
rediscovery of ancient texts and artefacts. Scholars like Petrarch and Boccaccio
were instrumental in reintroducing Greek and Roman ideas to Europe, sparking a
new intellectual and artistic movement.
Humanism emerged from this revival, with figures such as Erasmus and Thomas
More promoting the study of classical works. They integrated classical learning with
Christian teachings, creating a richer, more nuanced perspective on both fields. This
period also saw the establishment of new educational institutions that emphasised
classical studies, further spreading Humanist ideals.
