The
Renaissance brought about a rebirth and an expansion of cultural experience. It included those
outside the elite classes, and it directed society toward more humanist and realistic
perspectives. Without the Renaissance, we might not preserve and appreciate the fine arts as we
do today. Science, too, might not have developed in the same way without such Renaissance men as
Leonardo da Vinci.
This cultural expansion and the new directions of ideas in
the Renaissance did much to introduce and awaken many who heretofore either had no interest or
were not included in the expression of and the appreciation of the arts.
One
of the Renaissance authors who set the stage for literarywas Giovanni Boccaccio, who wrote
The Decameron. This work contains settings and characters that were
recognizable to many readers. In addition, there is a short heading that serves as an
explanation of each tale. Readers could connect with these personages and enjoy the literary
work. Even today, this style of writing is popular.
The new humanist
viewpoint of the Renaissance also turned societies toward an interest in scientific research and
inventions. Of course, one of the greatest contributors to the development of the arts and
sciences was Leonardo da Vinci. He introduced realism into the portrayal of the human form
because he combined science with his art as he drew anatomically correct human forms. This is
not to say that he did not take artistic license as, for instance, he did with his sculpture of
David, which has the right arm constructed on a larger scale.
During the
Renaissance the printing press was created, followed by other inventions and scientific
discoveries. As there were more developments in science and thought, more mobility was witnessed
in Europe. And with more interest in humanism, the Roman Catholic religion waned in its power.
Along with this lessening of the power of the Church, Rome's prominence as the cultural and
intellectual center of Europe was reduced. Therefore, Renaissance scholars began traveling
throughout Europe, and they brought with them the preservation of the classics and their
artistic and humanist ideals, which then became prevalent in other countries. Indeed, the
Renaissance was extremely influential in developing the cultures of Europe because it ignited
the lost human spirit.
Because of the revival of and great interest in the
fine arts and the sciences during the Renaissance, modern society is enriched with classical and
humanistic works and ideas. Without doubt, these advancements of the Renaissance have enriched
modern societies socially, culturally, intellectually, and
scientifically.
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