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Renaissance Period

The Renaissance was an influential cultural movement which brought about a period of scientific revolution and artistic transformation, at the dawn of modern European history. It marks the transitional period between the end of the Middle Ages and the start of the Modern Age. The Renaissance is usually considered to have begun in the 14th century in Italy and the 16th century in northern Europe. It is also known as "Rinascimento" (in Italian).

"Renaissance," French for "rebirth," describes the intellectual and economic changes that occurred in Europe from the fourteenth through the sixteenth centuries including the revival of arts and letters which formed the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern world. Renaissance also refers to the artistic style of early 16th century painting in Florence and Rome; characterized by technical mastery and heroic composition and humanistic content. A rebirth or revival, especially of learning, culture and the arts.

"Renaissance" was coined by French historian Jules Michelet, and expanded upon by Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt in the 19th century. Renaissance, or rebirth, is used in two ways. First, it means rediscovery of ancient classical texts and learning and their applications in the arts and sciences. Second, it means that the results of these intellectual activities created a revitalization of European culture in general. Thus it is possible to speak of the Renaissance in two different but meaningful ways: A rebirth of classic learning and knowledge through the rediscovery of ancient texts, and a rebirth of European culture in general.

During this era, Europe emerged from the economic stagnation of the Middle Ages and experienced a time of financial growth. Also, and perhaps most importantly, the Renaissance was an age in which artistic, social, scientific, and political thought turned in new directions.

A renaissance person is someone who has wide interests and is expert in several areas.


Go to the Annenberg/CPB site for an excellent introduction to the Renaissance
Some events during the late Renaissance