In Renaissance Rome the papacy held most of the power. By saying that they divine authority they were able to bring about the resurrection of Rome by acting as patrons to artists who help bring Rome back to glory. Before the papacy returned to Rome, the population was low due to the fact that they weren't centers for trade, transportation, banking ect. With the return of the church to Rome the city grew thrived. They acted as patrons of artwork and attracted some of the best artists at the time.
Julius II was one of the most prominent popes in the 16th century. The pope was considered to be saint as he was praised for improving the city through building projects for water supply, roads, etc. He also was patron to Palazzo Venezia and the church of San Marco. Yet while being praised as a saint others saw his corruption. Partridge brings up Eramus who describes pope Julius II as anything, but a saint. He was "...the embodiment of impious and brazen worldliness (Partridge 12). Much of the papacy was corrupt in that they brought their own family members into power, and they acquired money by selling indulgences. However with the Protestants as a growing threat, the church through commissions such as The Council of Trent helped correct the corruption in the church and "the Index"..."suppressed Protestant ideas by banning heretical books" (Partridge 16).
While the papacy were often corrupt, it was them who ultimately who brought Rome back after being in ruins.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Discussion 2: Leonardo Da Vinci: Flights of the Mind by Charles Nicholl
Reading Section: Part 6, 325-355.
The section in which I read of Nicholl's book is about Leonardo's travels in 1500-1502. Leonardo met with Isabella d'Este in Mantua. The marchioness was an almost obsessive collector and was determined to have a painting by Leonardo in her collection. Leonard made a drawing of her showing "a subtle contrast between the sweetness of the modelling and the intimated wilfulness in the profile" (Nicholl 327).
Leonardo then went briefly to Venice where he received news of Milan that was in political tormoil due to the incursion of the French. So while Leonard had intended to go to Milan he instead went Florence for the first time in 18 years, where his father (in his 70's) lived. During his time in Florence he Nicholles quotes an observation that Leonardo was "extremely irregular and haphazard, and he seems to live from day to day" (Nicholl 332). Isabella d'Este wanted a couple of paintings from Leonardo at this time, but Leonardo progressed slowly. This must have been frustrating for his patrons, but I suppose this was true to his aloof nature. Also during this time he created a cartoon of Mary, infant Christ and St Anne, which is an early prototype for a painting he finished in 1510. This was one of the few works that made during this time.
Later Leonardo came to work for Borgia cesare in the summer of 1502 for his knowledge as military engineer. Leonardo travelled around and eventually drew up a map of Imola. Nichole notes Leonard seems to have escapist tendancies in the prescence of war time, and seem to turn a blind eye to Borgia's ruthless tactics for gaining control. Eventually Leonardo left Borgi's services in 1503. In time since the death of Borgia's farther resulted in a rapid loss of power.
The section in which I read of Nicholl's book is about Leonardo's travels in 1500-1502. Leonardo met with Isabella d'Este in Mantua. The marchioness was an almost obsessive collector and was determined to have a painting by Leonardo in her collection. Leonard made a drawing of her showing "a subtle contrast between the sweetness of the modelling and the intimated wilfulness in the profile" (Nicholl 327).
Leonardo then went briefly to Venice where he received news of Milan that was in political tormoil due to the incursion of the French. So while Leonard had intended to go to Milan he instead went Florence for the first time in 18 years, where his father (in his 70's) lived. During his time in Florence he Nicholles quotes an observation that Leonardo was "extremely irregular and haphazard, and he seems to live from day to day" (Nicholl 332). Isabella d'Este wanted a couple of paintings from Leonardo at this time, but Leonardo progressed slowly. This must have been frustrating for his patrons, but I suppose this was true to his aloof nature. Also during this time he created a cartoon of Mary, infant Christ and St Anne, which is an early prototype for a painting he finished in 1510. This was one of the few works that made during this time.
Later Leonardo came to work for Borgia cesare in the summer of 1502 for his knowledge as military engineer. Leonardo travelled around and eventually drew up a map of Imola. Nichole notes Leonard seems to have escapist tendancies in the prescence of war time, and seem to turn a blind eye to Borgia's ruthless tactics for gaining control. Eventually Leonardo left Borgi's services in 1503. In time since the death of Borgia's farther resulted in a rapid loss of power.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Humanism
Martines's article is mainly focused on humanists were influenced by wealth and power when they came up with their ideologies. Humanists, while still taking into consideration Renaissance Christian values of the time also took a major interest poetry from Greek and Roman writers. Poetry for them, according to Martines it was a "shaper of man". He also quotes Battista Guarino who says "the ability to write Latin verse is one of the essential marks of an educated person."
Humanism wasn't for the general public, but only for the privileged elite who were literate and well educated. They especially valued the knowledge of practical history, the ability to speak eloquently, and the ability write well. Patronage was important for humanists who, due to their dependence on the wealthy, would often praise their benefactors, or write in favor of their social interests. What Martines argues here is that it is important to remember the bias of the humanists.
Martines's article is mainly focused on humanists were influenced by wealth and power when they came up with their ideologies. Humanists, while still taking into consideration Renaissance Christian values of the time also took a major interest poetry from Greek and Roman writers. Poetry for them, according to Martines it was a "shaper of man". He also quotes Battista Guarino who says "the ability to write Latin verse is one of the essential marks of an educated person."
Humanism wasn't for the general public, but only for the privileged elite who were literate and well educated. They especially valued the knowledge of practical history, the ability to speak eloquently, and the ability write well. Patronage was important for humanists who, due to their dependence on the wealthy, would often praise their benefactors, or write in favor of their social interests. What Martines argues here is that it is important to remember the bias of the humanists.
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