The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci

Near the end of the fourteenth century, an intellectual and artistic movement began in Italy, and transformed the world. The Renaissance, or rebirth, was the rebirth of ancient Greek and Roman culture - in particular, painting, literature, and philosophy. As the ideas of the Renaissance spread to the rest of Europe, they changed the way people saw the world around them, and marked civilization's transition into the modern world.

Essential Questions

• How did the art and literature of the Renaissance compare with the art and literature of the medieval period, and who were the prominent Italian artists and writers?
• What new values emerged in the Renaissance and how was Renaissance art and literature reflective of those values?

 

Warm-Up

The painting in this interactivity is called The School of Athens, and was created by the artist Raphael between 1509 and 1511 A.D. (C.E.). This work of art shows many of the qualities of Renaissance painting, especially through the various references to ancient Greek and Roman characteristics. In this interactivity, you will delve into details of the piece of art. Click the player button to get started.

View a printable version of this interactivity.