Throughout the 14th century, Italy established a new period of creativity. This achievement “laid the foundation for new concepts such as humanism and renaissance” (Nauert 26). The Renaissance Period became the greatest period of human creativity since Athens in the 5th century. Nauert believes that many “Florentine artists emulated the Athenians in an attempt to achieve their social goals” (9).
The Florentines began to examine powerful classical materials from Athens. Some philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle were treated as supreme authorities. The people of Italy obtained new ideas, models, and styles from these ancient philosophers. They regarded this world of antiquity as a period of human greatness. Many Florentines believed that “the Medieval Era was mainly defined as a period of decline” (Nauert 17).
The Florentines therefore “wanted to flow in the footsteps of these Greek thinkers” (Nauert 34). They believed strongly that such a path would eventually make them successful. As a result, many poets, writers, painters, scholars, and thinkers emerged during the Renaissance Period. Florence was a free society full of citizens who wanted to absorb the best classical concepts. They had found “the best model for their own communities in the civic life of ancient Athens” (Nauert 52).
Some painters also promoted the concepts of humanism. One of these artists was Giotto di Bondone. Humanism played a significant role during this period. The ideas borrowed from Athens were aimed at reshaping the moral values of many citizens in Florence. Many humanists emerged during the Renaissance Period. Such scholars trained people to establish the best positions in their respective societies. Humanism also became “a powerful concept for effective social expression” (Nauert 29).
Rhetoric also became a powerful tool for promoting the best moral values. Different orators encouraged more people to embrace the best social actions. New virtues also emerged in this society. Every person was ready to support the needs of his or her neighbors. This new culture “promoted the best social virtues and actions” (Nauert 78). Humanism therefore became the foundation of ethical law. This discussion explains why “many Florentines emulated the Athenians over their medieval ancestors” (Nauert 102).
The Renaissance Period made it easier for many Italians to embrace the best ideas from ancient Rome and Greece (Nauert 72). New artists and literalists emerged during the period. Such artists empowered more people using these classical concepts. Some of these artists included Giotto di Bondone, Duccio de Buoninsegna, Pietro Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini. Giotto “restored Italian art to its original prestige and greatness” (Nauert 112).
He managed to revive most of the concepts embraced by many classical artists. The contributions of these Renaissance artists made many Italian artworks recognizable throughout Europe. His efforts revived Florentine art. He borrowed most of the artistic approaches embraced by many Athenians. Giotto also “ushered a powerful perspective of art by highlighting human emotion and dimension” (Nauert 89).
His naturalistic approach also restored most of the concepts promoted by many ancients. These achievements “explain why Giotto became the father of western art” (Nauert 98). His achievements and concepts influenced the works of future generations. The values, aspects, and strengths of the Renaissance Era remained relevant for many centuries. The success of different artists such as Leonardo da Vinci can be attributed to the works of humanists such as Giotto di Bondone.
Works Cited
Nauert, Charles. Humanism and the Culture of Renaissance Europe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Print.