The Renaissance: Birth of Modernity - Essay Example

This age is known as the Renaissance and is sometimes referred to as the birth of modernity because the renewed spirit of discovery, curiosity, and investigation among the Western Europeans is the same spirit that is moving humanity and the world at present more than ever. Some of the new ideas, beliefs, and techniques in art and literature are the models of ours at present.
This beginning of scientific approach and not just religious led the way to the start of the significance and value of a human being and of the person’s life here and not just focusing on the life after death. This period in Europe lasted roughly from 1300 to 1600. The many contributions of the people made and produced during this explosion in art, writing, and thought paved the way for innovation in artistic and literary styles. This period also led to new ideas, beliefs, and values.
The people during the Renaissance desired and sought to re-establish and bring back to life the wealthy culture of classical Greece and Rome. On the way to breathe life into the past, they inadvertently produced a new and more modern culture in terms of techniques, fashion, and approach. In an effort and attempt to revive Greek and Roman culture, many artists and painters took inspiration from the remains and ruins of Rome that were all around them. In addition, Western scholars and experts decided to study Latin texts and manuscripts that were kept in the monasteries during the Middle Ages. As these scholars studied and examined the manuscripts, they were influenced, and thus, they changed and developed their outlook on life and in art. The learning of Classical text led to humanism. Humanism is the academic and intellectual movement that puts its focus and central attention on human aptitude and achievement. Humanists then inspired architects and painters to carry on and keep the classical traditions.
Art and painting were given more importance during this period. Merchants and church officials financially supported and helped the Renaissance artists.