Renaissance and Patronage

A Cultural Introduction to Renaissance Rome is chalked full of information. It is difficult to synthesize but particular moments during my reading captured my interest. I always enjoy learning about the ways the city of Rome incorporated many artisans during its construction specifically during the Renaissance. “The urgent image of rebirth that underpins the very idea of the Renaissance (not to mention the term itself) was forged, not in Florence, but in Rome –and when that rebirth was conceived, its audacity was staggering. In the minds of those brave reconstructionists of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, just as God’s sovereign plan for human salvation had been played out over the Roman cityscape…” (pg 4). The city and its papacy called upon artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael to complete many architectural designs. Rome becomes reborn with the idea of returning to Edenic lushness and magical power – “Rome’s destiny in the course of history” (pg 11). Rome serves as the birth place of the Renaissance because it fostered the intellectuals and incorporated them into the resurrection of a powerful city – it provided the means for ideas to emerge and be shared upon a common property.

Investigating this further with the Patronage and Popes: Saints or Sinners? The pope is the advocate and patron for the arts, initiatinf the building projects. The papacy was international which contributed to the worldly intellect however this ran into competitions from competing Italian and European city-states, and “the papacy became and ever less important player on the European Stage” (pg 13) and ultimately corrupt. In thinking of the pope’s patronage and their treatment of the Renaissance, it is an unbelievable accomplishment; however in action, they seem very far from saint-like and were often overthrown by the people.

Leonardo's Flights of the Mind

I chose to begin my reading at the beginning to gain a better understand of Leonardo’s family and early childhood years.  I read pages 17-47. Initially, I was confused by the name ‘Da Vinci.’ This is their family name but they are also of Vinci, Italy. Is Piero specifically affiliated by name with the town of Vinci? Why do they carry a last name that translates to “of Vinci” (Da Vinci) and no one else in the town does?

Leonardo is an illegitimate child, but I was surprised that Piero left nothing in his will for Leonardo. “It may be well true that Piero was an absent, busy and not very caring father. It is certainly true that he left nothing to Leonardo in his will” (pg 25). Leonardo received the entire estate of his Uncle. I am sure though Piero had a love affair and attraction with Caterina rather than nonconsensual sex. Leonardo had written “The man who has intercourse aggressively and uneasily will produce children who are irritable and untrustworthy: but if the intercourse is done with great love and desire on both sides, then the child will be of great intellect, and witty, lively and lovable. The idea is traditional” (pg 27). It still seems strange Piero would leave nothing for Leonardo after his connection with Caterina.

The chapters following dive deep in the issue of the Kite. I was wondering why such elaboration on the memory of the kite bird entering Leonardo’s mouth as a baby (starting on page 30). It was revealed later as a symbol of his destiny. The kite fueled his interest in human flight and anatomy. The bird in a sense becomes cross-referenced into his later paintings and works.

Another interest I found was on pages 41-42. Leonardo became involved in wickerwork and he designed his own logo. The fascination of weaving designs was implemented in the dress of Mona Lisa and Lady with an Ermine. Also the braids of hair incorporate these design elements.

Humanism in the modern setting.

The practice of humanism and social rhetoric has paved way for modern academia - A presupposition that humanism be the framework for a broader study of knowledge today. Initially, the role of studia humanitatis is evident as a vernacular system to educate the speaker in ‘polished expression.’ The literate and intellectual humanist may establish aristocracy and political reputation through compelling oratory. However, as an intensive study through literature, it became a concentration on life and the knowledge of man, regarding the humanities as emotional and innate manifestations of the human soul.

Today’s education ideology reflects the humanistic values through a wide study of language (literature, culture and oratory), art, music, history and philosophy. Humanism is enduring, its roots in the renaissance.  Studia humanitatis provided a structure from which education that focused on multiple facets of the human nature and intelligence, flourished.  Additionally, rhetoric proves resourceful in political bodies and influencing audiences.

James Corwin