Renaissance and humanism

In short: The Renaissance (“rebirth”) was a European cultural period between about 1350 and 1600. It began in Italy and took antiquity as its model. Humanism put the human being and education at the centre.

In more detail: It initiated the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

In detail

• Art: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael; perspective and realistic depiction (perspektive-zeichnen-grundlagen).
• Science: Copernicus placed the sun at the centre, Galileo used the telescope.
• Humanism: Study of ancient writings, emphasis on reason and education (Erasmus of Rotterdam).
• Printing: Gutenberg’s invention spread knowledge quickly (buchdruck-und-reformation).
• Cities and trade: Florence with the Medici as a centre of art and banking.
• Discoveries: Sea routes to America and Asia (entdeckungsreisen-und-kolonialismus).
• Consequences: New image of man, science and Reformation.
• Today: The term “Renaissance man” for the versatile and well educated.