How Did Humanism Impact The Renaissance

Humanism’s Impact During the Renaissance

The renaissance was a time period in European history extending from the 14th to the 17th century. That renaissance time is characterized by the rebirth of classical art, literature, and learning that followed the Middle Ages. The medieval period is considered by many historians as a time period of illiteracy and superstition, with life centered on the church. Beliefs were not based on a scientific view of the world, but were centered around the misconception that a supernatural force out there could explain the existence of everything. Differently from the Middle Ages, artists became multi-talented by drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, excelling in skills such as drawing,

Lyle L. Simpson, the president of the American Humanist Association from 1980-1984, AHA legal counsel for thirty-five years, and the founder and current chairman of the Humanist Foundation, stated that “When asked to create a sculpture that would be a symbol of man for Florence, to be displayed on the piazza beside the seat of government of the Medici, Michelangelo selected David, a symbol of a small man conquering a giant that all the people would recognize” (Simpson). As a humanist, Michelangelo believed that he could use his talent and skills to sculpt the perfect tribute for the people of Florence – a monumental man, muscular, and heroic. The reasonableness that is depicted by David’s stance and facial expression represents humanism. He seems to be in deep thought, thinking about the most intelligent way to defeat his enemy, the giant Goliath. By cleverly thinking, David was self-assured that he was not going to take on Goliath with his own hands but by hitting him in the head with a stone using a slingshot. Also, by studying the human anatomy Michelangelo sculpted a perfectly ideal male figure. By paying great attention to detail, he was able to convey a magnificent sense of realism. David represented the type of man that every renaissance man wanted to be, a thoughtful man that uses logic and reason before doing something. Also, Michelangelo

One of Raphael’s most outstanding pieces of work, that large fresco was executed during 1509-1511. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the wall of the Stanza Della Segnatura of Vatican, and is undoubtedly an example of the classical spirit of the Renaissance, reflecting the growing humanistic orientation. The painting depicts all the ultimate philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists from classical antiquity engaged in discussions and learning from each other. As Lawrence Cunningham and John Reich imply in their book, Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities, “Raphael’s School of Athens reflects a high degree of sensitivity to ordered space, a complete ease with Classical thought, obvious inspiration from the Roman architectural past, a brilliant sense of color and form, and a love for intellectual clarity –characteristics that could sum up Renaissance ideal” (299). The level of realism in the fresco is just astounding and his attention to detail is just impeccable. Raphael was able to manipulate the lines perspective in an unimaginable way, creating a three dimensional surface in a two dimensional surface. According to Joseph Phelan, a Professor of Nineteenth-Century Literature at the De Montfort University, “For the first time in Western art, a painter was able to represent the harmonious unity underlying the diverse pursuits of human reason by portraying some