1. Art Theory
In the 13th century, Europe experienced phenomenal commercial and financial development, which exploded into an era characterized by an incredible efflorescence of artistic energies called the Renaissance. The Renaissance became a true rebirth to the people of Europe by pushing them out of the feudalistic middle ages and moving them one step closer to democracy. Renaissance energies were based on the new thinking of humanism, individualism, and secularism, which caused social and political change. This era launched the European people into a new way of thinking and perceiving their duty in the world.
The Renaissance is characterized by the ideas of humanism, individualism, and secularism. As people grew more aware of themselves, they noticed that they were living in a unique and new age. They felt that they had pulled out of the barbaric years of the middle ages and into a new golden age of intellectual achievement. This golden age began with the belief in individualism. In the middle ages, Christian humility discouraged self-absorption, which deterred many individuals to receive historical recognition. However, during the Renaissance, the glorification of the uniqueness and distinctive personalities of the individual increased. This idea was individualism, which stressed uniqueness and the full development of one's capabilities and talents. This encouraged people to reach their full potential in their quest for glory. Humanism emerged from the revival of interest in the study of antiquity and Latin texts to understand human nature. It emphasized the capabilities and achievements of human beings. Still, individualism and humanism could have never succeeded without the rise of secularism. Secularism was based on concern for the material world and the present, other than spirit world or afterlife. It placed everything within the limits of the senses. Secularism was widely supported especially by humanist Lorenzo Valla, who wrote On Pleasure which describing the senses as the highest good.