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398 History

FIND OUT MORE. Artists 324 • Painting 320–321 • Philosophy 292–293

One of the most creative periods in history occurred in

Europe around 1350–1550. This cultural revival is known

as the Renaissance (meaning “rebirth”). It was inspired

by the civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Renaissance

WHERE DID THE RENAISSANCE TAKE PLACE?

Italy was the powerhouse of the Renaissance. At that

time it was divided into independent states, where

wealthy rulers offered. PATRONAGE to great artists.

The Renaissance also spread through southern France

and Spain, and influenced northern Europe.

WHAT WAS THE RENAISSANCE VIEW OF THE WORLD?

There was a passion for knowledge. Scholars had

mostly studied the teachings of the Church, but they

now rediscovered ancient philosophers. Artists became

fascinated by the human body. To celebrate its beauty,

they turned away from the formal drawing style of the

Middle Ages and adopted a more realistic, natural style.

Muscle power

operated a system

of levers and pulleys

The wood, rope,

and other materials

available in Leonardo’s

day were too heavy for

practical flight

PROCESSION OF THE MAGI 3

This painting of 1459 is by Benozzo Gozzoli. It is one of a

series in the Medici family’s private chapel in Florence, Italy.

Although based on a Biblical scene, it shows the dazzling

splendour of a Renaissance court.

1 FLIGHTS OF FANCY

Leonardo da Vinci was a brilliant

inventor. This reconstruction

shows a flying machine which

first appeared in his sketchbooks,

alongside futuristic plans for a

helicopter, tank, and diving suit.

Retinue

includes portraits

of the Medici family

Servants carry

bows and spears

for hunting

LEONARDO DA VINCI

1452–1519

Leonardo was a genius. Writer,

painter, sculptor, engineer,

and architect, he left behind a

wealth of sketches and what

has become the world’s best-

known painting – the portrait

of a mysterious, smiling

woman known as Mona Lisa.