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History Extra podcast

The Renaissance: an explosion of creativity

Jan 19, 2024
Art critic and writer Jonathan Jones explores the Renaissance and its enduring significance. Topics include the spread of Renaissance ideas beyond Italy, the revolutionary shift in art and thinking, the origins and concept of the Renaissance, and the impact on religion and the Counter-Reformation.
30:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Renaissance was a Europe-wide phenomenon, with developments happening in various countries simultaneously, facilitated by trade connections between cities like Bruges and Florence.
  • The Renaissance was recognized as a rebellion against the limitations of medieval society, with artists and historians comparing its achievements to the greatness of ancient Greece and Rome.

Deep dives

The Renaissance as a Europe-wide phenomenon

The Renaissance was not just limited to Italy but was a Europe-wide phenomenon, with developments happening in various countries simultaneously. Trade connections between cities like Bruges and Florence facilitated the exchange of ideas and artistic influences. The Renaissance was characterized by a new approach to art, specifically the use of perspective to create lifelike and three-dimensional representations. The desire to depict tangible reality and explore the world beyond religious art drove the cultural transformation of the Renaissance.

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