What was the Northern Renaissance its leading ideas, and major achievement?

Northern renaissance was the rebirth of Europe or a period when Europe gained civilization and created a classical learning and culture. The renaissance was influenced by Italian renaissance and the leading ideas of the rebirth were based on gaining classical studies, gain realism, human dignity, develop social reforms and developing Christianity (Chapter 14). The Italian renaissance mainly focused on the human life and had the interest to bring new way of life. Northern renaissance focused on the importance of ancient past and their role in creating better way of life. In addition, humanism values were also the driving force toward renaissance since they believed that this was the only way in which human beings could achieve freedom. Northern renaissance had a religious nature and humanists such as Erasmus believed on classical world and church reformation, and rejected the abuses and corruption (Chapter 14). In addition, he believed that the Christianity and ancient cultures were important in developing a religious character. Remarkably, northern renaissance was associated with various achievements in that there were many writers and artists who developed ‘new learning’ ancient text and bibles. During the period of 15th and 16th century, Northern Europe had an economic recovery in terms of development of new trade routes and cities (Chapter 14). In addition, there was peace and stability, and wealth which were strengthened by the relation between Northern and Southern Europe. The wealth empowered the artists and writers in developing art and values. Other achievement was the culture change which was reinforced by the humanist’s ideas. Italian humanist France and England monarchies supported the culture change and led to a big difference between feudalism and new ideas as well as new way of living (Chapter 14). The monarchies focused on renaissance ideas and led to the development of society roles and centralized powers.

 

 What are the major achievements in baroque art, architecture, literature and music?

 Baroque period presented the catholic resurgence which was based on the development of spiritual movement, religious orders and other reforms (Chapter 15). The purpose of Baroque art was to strengthen the goals of Counter-reformation which were connected with the need for predominance and centrality. In addition, art, music and architecture presented the catholic theology. Achievements during the Baroque era were seen in two areas namely, Counter-reformation and Reformation. These developments were connected with Catholic Church which focused on religious ideas and presentation of the ideas through literature, music, drama and painting (Chapter 15).  Focusing on the achievement, Roman Catholic Church was reformed and developed to Counter Reformation which comprised the inspirational art and classical ideas. In addition, it compromised dynamic and emotional art which presented the celebration of power and God’s authority. Baroque age was a period of religious ideology which focused on strengthening the classical ideals, developing intellectual movement and creating a modern world. Roman Catholic Church believed that the religious themes were to be communicated through arts and this was to be achieved by the use of power and theatrical adventure. During the baroque period, art, music and literature led to counter-reformation where new means of expressions such as mannerism were developed (Chapter 15).. During this period, the Roman Catholic Church created an artistic program which strengthened the religious image and spiritual faith. St.Theresa in Ecstasy was created in Baroque art and this represented the Catholic Reformation. The Baroque age led to the development of absolute monarchies which were presented by Baroque places and picture market which presented the realism. In 17th center, landscape painting was development and these presented the human awareness and human insignificance. Art, music and architecture during this period were mainly connected with naturalism and classicism (Chapter 15). Other achievement was the development of human intellectual horizons and new values. 

 

Reference

Chapter 15. The Baroque Age 1 Glamour and Grandiosity 16-1715.

Chapter 14.Northern Humanism, Northern Renaissance, Religious Reformation, and Late Mannerism 1500-1603.