Renaissance Research Project
Overview
What exactly was the Renaissance? William Manchester, the author of A World Lit Only By Fire: The Medieval Mind and the
Renaissance - Portrait of $an Age, has argued that the Renaissance was “a mighty storm … swiftly approaching”, a “powerful
new spirit… virulently subversive [dangerously rebellious/destabilizing] of all medieval society, especially the Church…. [and
all] those who cherished the status quo.” Using Manchester’s excerpt as a foundation, this research project will focus on those
artists, “immortal figures”, and even “dragons” that tore down the medieval European mind-set and created the modern world.
This research project will ask you to investigate one of the following figures from the Renaissance era and explore how this
figure exemplifies [represents] the Renaissance era that contributed both to the destruction of the medieval mind-set and the
creation of the modern world.
Objective
To gain an understanding of and appreciation into the significance and impact of the era of the Renaissance.
To learn the skills of conducting an in-depth research project, utilizing both print and electronic sources.
To be able to effectively communicate information and ideas via a visual PowerPoint presentation and a short speech
on the historical figure.
Research Questions
Overview summary of the figure placing them within the Renaissance time period and stating the
importance/significance of their contribution (i.e. why are they important?)
Brief biographical sketch (including dates, residence, notable life events, etc.)
Explanation of how they exemplify the eraand spirit of the Renaissance period.
You must support your research with a PowerPoint presentation that uses carefully selected visuals (at least two examples of
paintings, sketches, diagrams, sculpture, book, etc.) that illustrate, support, and extend your analysis. For example, “This
painting expresses the Renaissance period and worldview because it …” or “It is a great example of the artist’s new technique
of ….”
Guidelines
1) A 4-5 slide PowerPoint presentation on a selected Renaissance figure.
2) A brief 2 minute speech on the figure that will accompany the PowerPoint and expand on the information in the slides
(usually a more in-depth explanation of the visuals that are being used in the presentation). Notecards may be used
for reference.
3) PowerPoint must be sent via email to Mr. Rodgers by the evening of November 3rd.
4) Presentations will be given upon our return from the Eid Break.
Renaissance Figures: Artists – Thinkers – Explorers – Scientists – Writers
Sandro Botticelli
Pierodella Francesca
Giovanni Bellini
Titian
Michelangelo
Raphael
Peter Paul Rubens
Pieter Brueghel
(Bruegel)
Jan van Eyck
William Shakespeare
Albrecht Dürer
Hieronymus Bosch
Hans Holbein the
Younger
Leonardo da Vinci
Francois Rabelais
Thomas More
Filippo Brunelleschi
Baldassare Castiglione
Donatello
Johannes Gutenberg
Miguel de Cervantes
Desiderius Erasmus
Francesco Petrarch
Nicolaus Copernicus
Sofonisba Anguissola
Niccolo Machiavelli
Research Notes* –
Renaissance figure:
Biographical data:
Important work (s):
Significance/Influence/Importance of their work(s):
Renaissance worldview:
Explanation of how they exemplify the era and spirit of the Renaissance period.
* Make sure to cite your sources for use on your final PowerPoint slide.