Italians thought wealth was most important

Wealthy merchants and bankers
Shopkeepers, artisans (largest class)
Peasants, country farmers

City states were ran by Merchant and banking families
1400’s- Social problems led to a more powerful political solution…

Signori- dictators
Often used violence to control
Also built popularity by improving city services, supporting arts and festivals, etc.

Territory disputes
Social revolts

1400’s- Medici Family
Helped bring spirit of humanism
Encouraged scholars and artists

1434- Cosimo de Medici-wealthiest man of his time
Ended worker uprising by introducing income tax (mainly on the wealthy class)
Did not take power himself, but made sure city council was very loyal
Spent tax money and OWN money to beautify city (much like Greeks and Romans)
Fixed sewers
Paved streets

1469-1492 Lorenzo Medici
Grandson of Cosimo
Known as “The Magnificent”
Supported artists, philosophers, and writers

1490’s way of life declined
People wanted change
Pushed 1st family out

Savonarola (Dom. Friar)
Attacked Medici family ideas
Pushed to religious side
Outlawed gambling, swearing, horse racing
Burned books, paintings, fancy clothing, musical instruments.

How do you think the people reacted?
Medici family regained control

1500’s
Pope and Vatican held power
Rebuilt city
Architects made huge churches and palaces
Artists painted and sculpted

Leo X rebuilt St. Peter’s Basilica

Became trade link between Asia and Western Europe.
Known for artistic power
Had political stability
Republican government- Doge
Doge officially ran city
Council of Ten- wealthiest merchants
Had real power

Expressed own values, emotions, and attitudes
Made subjects as lifelike and captivating as possible
Secular overtones
Themes: classical mythology and biblical

Artists were “rock stars”

Studied anatomy
Human emotions, expressions, gestures
Masaccio- developed perspective
Gave objects appearance of distance

Frescoes
Portraits

Return to classical style
Domes and columns (like who?)
Beautified with tapestries, paintings, statues, fine furniture, glass windows

Filippo Brunelleschi- 1436 built Cathedral of Florence
Great engineering feat of his time

Classical ideas
Free standing and nude
Bronze and marble
Medieval was stiff

Donatello, Michelangelo, Ghiberti
Leonardo Da Vinci