The Renaissance was an incredible period in our human history when some of the most important cultural advancements of all time were made. These developments expanded across fields of architecture, literature, philosophy, science, politics, and more. But when did the Renaissance begin and where did the Renaissance begin? The origins of the movement can be traced back to 14th-century Florence, Italy. As the movement progressed, it reached across Italy, hitting a high point in Rome, and became known as the Italian Renaissance. From there, the Renaissance spread to the rest of Europe. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at where it all began.
The Renaissance Began In Florence
The Italian city of Florence is widely accepted as the birthplace of the Renaissance. One of the main reasons it began here was thanks to two early 14th century scholars – Dante Alighieri and Francesco Petrarch. Both these writers were instrumental in reviving an interest in ancient Greek culture and the civilization of ancient Rome. Through their research, a cultural ‘rebirth’ or ‘Renaissance’ of this ancient Greek and Roman art, literature and philosophy took place. Petrarch founded a school of thought known as Humanism, based on the ancient texts of Cicero. In his ‘Humanist’ philosophies, Petrarch argued that all creativity should be founded on logic and reasoning, with humans at the center. In fact, Petrarch was so influential he is often referred to as the “Father of the Renaissance.”
Florence Was a Wealthy and Prosperous City
Florence was able to found the Renaissance in the 14th century because it was so prosperous. This wealth was mostly brought about by the establishment of successful trade throughout Asia and Eastern Europe. On a grimmer note, some even say the Black Death that wiped out much of Florence’s population had a silver lining, leaving smaller numbers to benefit from the city’s wealth. Various prominent dynasties emerged who became important cultural patrons – the most famous were the Medici family, who funded an array of projects and ventures that still exist today, while others included the Sassetti and Tornabuoni families.
Florence Was a Site for Creative Experimentation
The Renaissance is best-known for its creative legacy, which originated in Florence. Florentine painter Giotto di Bondone explored startling new levels of realism, form and facial expression. At a similar time, Florentine architect, designer and sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi discovered linear perspective, allowing artists to create unbelievably real qualities of depth and space. As ideas expanded from one generation to the next, artists became increasingly more ambitious in their quest to make powerful and meaningful connections between art and the real world around them.
The High Renaissance Took Place in Rome
Although the early Renaissance began in Florence, the pinnacle of the movement – the High Renaissance – happened in Rome. It was led by the big three: Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa between 1503 and 1519 while living in Florence. Pope Leo X (a member of the Medici family) filled the city of Rome with a stunning array of religious buildings and artworks to promote the cause of the Catholic Church across the city. Artists dazzled audiences with sublime visions that were startlingly real, invoking the fear and wonder of God.
From Italy, It Spread Throughout Europe for Centuries
Such was the radicalism of the Italian Renaissance that the Renaissance spirit spread throughout Europe from the 14th to the 17th centuries, and new ideas, concepts and beliefs became increasingly advanced and sophisticated. Notable nations who made significant contributions to the Renaissance period include Germany, England, Spain, and France. Each country took different approaches and made their own ground-breaking contributions to art, science, and culture. But what all shared was an emphasis on scientific rationalism and reasoning, and a desire to master an advanced understanding of the world around them. In northern Europe, the Renaissance was closely linked with the Protestant Reformation. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century also accelerated the spread of ideas around Europe.
It is generally agreed that the spread of the Renaissance led to the end of the Middle Ages and the start of the Early Modern Period in the 15th century.
