week 33
(1) What were some of the problems associated with the Renaissance papacy?
Some of the problems that were associated with the Renaissance papacy were corruption and nepotism. Popes such as Alexander VI used their position to secure wealth, land, and power for their family members. Another problem is simony and sale of indulgences, where spiritual favors and church offices were frequently bought and sold to finance lavish art, architecture, and military campaigns. Moral laxity was another issue, where many popes and high clergy lived openly lavish lifestyles, fathered illegitimate children, and ignored traditional vows of asceticism.
(3) We normally think of three people in particular as having been the key artists of the High Renaissance. Who were they? Discuss one major work from each.
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most popular Renaissance artists, making art such as the Vitruvian Man. He was also an engineer, making very popular inventions such as the aerial screw, and other inventions attempting to make man fly.
Michelangelo is another very popular Renaissance artist, making many famous sculptures such as the collection of sculptures of Madonna and child, and the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
The third key artist is Raphael, who is famous for his smooth style, perfect balance, and mastery of perspective. One of his biggest works is The School of Athens, a huge painting on a Vatican wall that shows all the top ancient Greek philosophers and scientists hanging out together.
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