The document summarizes key aspects and individuals of the Northern Renaissance as it spread from Italy through Europe in the 15th-16th centuries. Ideas from the Italian Renaissance spread north through increased trade, movement of scholars and artists, and the invention of the printing press, which made books cheaper and more widely available. Some notable figures mentioned include Erasmus, whose writings criticized the Catholic Church; Sir Thomas More, author of Utopia; William Shakespeare, a renowned English playwright; and artists like Albrecht Durer and Jan van Eyck who pioneered realistic techniques in painting.
2. The Renaissance spreads North
• Remember: Were does the Renaissance
begin?
• Italy in the 1300’s
• By 1500 the ideas of the Renaissance are
moving throughout Europe.
• Trade, movement of artists and scholars, and
the development of the printing press all
help the spread.
3. Printing Press
• Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable
type printing press.
• First publication: 1,282 page Bible or the
Gutenberg Bible.
• Books are made faster and are becoming
cheaper.
4. Erasmus
• Early Reformer of the Church
• Writings fanned flames of discontent with
the Roman Catholic Church.
• Works were on the “Forbidden Books
Index”
• One such book “The Praise of Folly”
5. Sir Thomas More
• Author of Utopia
• Book contains criticism of
English government and
vision for perfect society.
6. William Shakespeare
• One of the greatest
English playwrights
• “Romeo & Juliet”
• Focused more on
secular topics versus
religious themes.
7. Christine de Pisan
• Wrote about the roles of women in society.
• Grew up in French court
• “The City of Women”
• Topics focused on equality and education
for women.
8. Artists
• Albrecht Durer >>>
• Techniques of realism
and perspective
• Jan van Eyck >>>
• Focused on landscapes
and domestic life.
