Palmer #7- Italian Renaissance vs. Northern Renaissance

Palmer #7- Italian Renaissance vs. Northern Renaissance
Will Stewart

“How did the Renaissance in Europe north of the Alps differ from the Renaissance in Italy?”

Thesis: Though the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance are similar in that they both signaled a break from the Middle Ages, they have several key differences that separate them.

1. General Trends
a. Northern Renaissance more gradual, less sudden than Italian
b. Although Latin and Greek underwent a revival, the modern languages began to take shape.
c. Northern Ren. more blend of old and new than Italian
i. Development of what had come before, rather than completely new ideas
d. Northern Ren. focused on human ability to understand and control nature
i. Merged with Italian idea of endless human potential

2. Religion
a. Religion far more pronounced in Northern Ren.
b. Christian humanists (North) vs. “pagan” humanists (Italy)
c. North studied Bible and religious texts far more than other classical texts read by Italians
d. Lay religion- religion outside of clergy
i. Previously when church needed reform they reformed from within
ii. Now groups outside clergy seek reform
1. Basis for Protestant Reformation
e. Mysticism
i. Italian Ren. religion based in art and publicity
ii. North Ren. religion more private and somber
iii. Mystics (Meister Eckhart, Thomas a Kempis, Nicholas of Cusa)
1. Individual soul could commune with God w/out church
2. Transcended social institutions
a. Martin Luther drew from this

3. Education & Innovation
a. Far more universities in North
i. 15th century Italy- no new universities
ii. 15th century Spain, France, Scotland, Scandinavia, Germany- lots of new universities
b. Germany
i. 1386-1506: 14 new German universities
ii. Gutenberg- printing press- first mass produced books
iii. Mathematical and scientific innovations
1. Copernicus found basis in these
2. Cartography took off
3. Revolutionized medicine