Emergence of Renaissance Art from Medieval Art

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Running head: Emergence of Renaissance Art from Medieval Art Emergence of Renaissance Art from Medieval Art Tom McCormick Western Governors University IWT1- Literature, Arts and the Humanities Performance Assessment RIWT- Task 1 08/16/2012 Emergence of Renaissance Art from Medieval Art The Medieval Art produced during the Middle Ages lacks style improvements like linear perspective and trompe-l’oeil used in Renaissance work but it reflects a rich religious tradition and provided many wonderful works of art for the feudal nobility and for the Catholic Church throughout Europe (Wilson, 1984). Renaissance art reflected the values and beliefs of the emerging wealthy middle class and their increased emphasis on the individual. Private ownership of art in the Renaissance period led to better preservation and proliferation along with the gathering of large collections kept for posterity. In the feudal system medieval society was organized into a pyramid. Clergy and nobles were located at the top of the pyramid and the base of the pyramid was made up of the large majority of peasants working the land and subservient to the nobles. The middle ground was occupied by scientists, merchants, craftsmen and yeoman farmers (Geis, 1999). Middle Age culture gave much to later generations. Great cathedrals were built and universities were started. Painting and literature developed new styles. A strong Middle Class emerged in the later medieval periods. The Middle Class grew and represented a new group of people no longer tied to the land (Geis, 1999). This group had no obligations to a feudal lord. This change brought about an increase in lucrative specialized trade. This new Middle Class grew quickly and became well to do. Merchants bought and sold consumer goods such as furs and wool. Some became very wealthy and started the first banks. Merchants
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