European Renaissance and changes experienced in this Era.
1300-1600 marks the time period of the European Renaissance. This era is known for the cultural, social and artistic explosion to get out of the medieval and religious era to a modern day culture. A family from Italy with great power and wealth were considered instrumental throughout this change. They were called the Medici family, the Godfathers of the Renaissance.
An influx of famous artists made names for themselves during this time as well, Botticelli, Gozzoli, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Giorgio Vasari and Ghiberti. All of these artists were brought into their limelight by some member of the Medici family. Some of the Medici family members were mentors some brought these young artists into their home to educate. These artists and their work have continued to be well known in Europe, the United States and the rest of the world throughout the centuries.
Every aspect of culture was changed during this time. Science, architecture, politics, religion and beliefs that had been in place during the medieval times were no over. People wanted to learn, discover and embrace this new world.
Women had the old school reputation where they were considered men’s property and nothing more. There was a group of influential woman at this time that made a difference behind the scenes. Some were wives, sisters, mothers or mistresses of Kings. They developed a sense of their own power behind the throne. These women made a difference. One woman in particular a lady named Isabella married her second cousin, heir to the throne, against her family’s wishes. Isabella was able to persuade her husband, Ferdinand to finance an expedition for a guy name Christopher Columbus; we all know how affected the world.
This was truly a historical time in history sometimes it is easy to forget some important history of how so many cultural issues came about.
For more detailed information on the European Renaissance please visit the websites below.
http://www.pbs.org/empires/medici/renaissance/index.html
http://weuropeanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/renaissance_women_who_ruled