Renaissance first began to be considered as a separate historical and cultural period, only the second half of the 18th century.This is due to the appearance of the works of European art Uinkelmana.The development of Renaissance culture lasted more than three centuries.It passes in four stages:
- Pre-Renaissance (the last third of the 13th century and early 14th century);
- Early Renaissance (from the mid 14th century to the late 15th century);
- High Renaissance (from the late 15th century to the first half of the 16th century);
- late Renaissance (second half of the 16th century and early 17th century).
In the early years of the 19th century came into use the German word "humanism".It was used to describe only human nature of Jesus Christ.Soon the term spread in the circles of educated people, these words often became known figures of the Renaissance.However, an objective consideration of the period shows that not all of them are the true bearers of the new world.Despite this, we can say that in general, the Renaissance is actively influenced the formation of the modern understanding of humanism as a position for which priorities are universal values.
During this period, leaders of the Renaissance was the slogan "To the sources!".Thus, they have expressed their admiration for the art and literature of antiquity and the critical attitude to contemporary culture of the Middle Ages.The latter received such unflattering assessment of the ignorance of the classics of ancient Greece and Latin saturation with strange expressions.
Renaissance culture was formed under the significant influence of the developing bourgeois society in the city-states of Italy.The fact that in other European countries this segment of the population struggle for their rights over the formation of the monarchies and the preservation of old traditions.And in Italy the bourgeoisie defeated the feudal lords and found their own order in major cities.They, as well as prelates, kings and bankers often act as a customer of works of art and strongly supported writers and artists.And among themselves humanists of the Renaissance were many members of the nobility.Due to the fact that under control or patronage of Byzantium then stayed many places in Italy, the Renaissance culture in this country has come under the influence of tangible East.This is particularly evident in the architecture and the decorative arts.There merged Islamic and Byzantine traditions with elements of Gothic.
Renaissance culture has much more in common with the late Middle Ages than it would have liked figures.Therefore, representatives of the Renaissance sought to separate themselves and creating their concepts, and education organizations and various elite circles.If
medieval artists from antiquity took only some knowledge, excerpts, comments, makers interested Renaissance and the shape of the ancient work, and his essence, his spirit and ideas.But it was not out of the question to discard the legacy of the Christian world.
Renaissance culture was a direct continuation of the Western Middle Ages.From there she took the idea of personal, social and historical progress, the humane treatment of each person, the recognition of the mystical underlying reason being, the tendency to erudition, to the use of symbols and allegories.From the height of the Christian world and is considered the legacy of ancient times.But it had the culture of the Renaissance and ideological difference, compared with the Middle Ages.Figures of the Renaissance man regarded as the center of the universe, as the highest part of nature and at the same time as her greatest creation.And the world around was seen as the result not only of God's hands, but also the earth.
