Renaissance Research Articles

Rinascimento & Risorgimento o Risorgimento vs Rinascimento? Una vicenda tutta italiana

Throughout the 19th century, the Renaissance-Risorgimento relationship was viewed in a twofold contradictory manner: the cultural grandeur of the Renaissan- ce as the premise for the political redemption of the Risorgimento or the Risorgimento as transcending the political and moral decadence of the Renaissance age. The Author expounds the stance of three particularly representative scholars (Vincenzo Gioberti, Bertrando Spaventa, Francesco De Sanctis), pointing out their different perspectives on the role of figures such as Machiavelli and Giordano Bruno. He concludes by po- sing the question as to the need to go beyond this national unification standpoint. In his view, the persisting tendency to see Machiavelli as the symbolic figure of the Renais- sance in Italy is inadequate and he proposes someone like Lorenzo Vallo or Giovanni Pico della Mirandola as an alternative. They are much closer to Erasmus of Rotterdam, the best expression of the Renaissance at a European level.

Meanings and Limites in Theory of Utopia during Renaissance Era

Meanings and Limites in Theory of Utopia during Renaissance Era

Evolution of Practice in Undergraduate Architecture Education through Institutional Formations

Practice has always had an important place in the basis of architectural education, which exists with the mentoringsystem. With the influence of studio culture, practice has been relatively more prominent than theory in architectureundergraduate education. While the practical tendency in architectural education, which became theoretical withBauhaus, takes place in workshops, an architectural education pedagogy is shaped in research-practice intersectionswith environments such as the Space Syntax Laboratory established at UCL. It can be said that technology plays anactive role in the orientation of education. This study investigates the question 'How has the practical approach inarchitectural education been transformed?’ By using the historical research method, it examines the methods andenvironments of the realization of practice in architectural education. It reveals architectural education within fivedistinct periods: The ancient period, the Renaissance period, the Modern period, the Post-modern period, and theContemporary period. The convergences and disconnections between the workplace, competition, studio, andlaboratory, which are determined as the environments of practice in architectural education, are analyzed. As a result,it aims to provide a critical analysis of the current opportunities and future practice possibilities that practice offers toarchitectural education.

PECULIARITIES OF THE USE OF ANCIENT QUOTATIONS IN THE PORTRAITURE OF THE RENAISSANCE ERA

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of the use of quotations from ancient authors’ works in the form of inscriptions on secular portraits of the Renaissance period. It outlines the cultural and historical prerequisites that determined the peculiarities of portrait painting development in this period as well as the use of Latin inscriptions therein. The key underlying role in cultural development of this period played the change of religious and philosophical paradigm, the general cultural humanistic orientation of the era, as well as the revival of classical ancient ideas. These factors ultimately determined the selection and application of Latin inscriptions in the Renaissance portraiture. This paper analyses the grammatical features (change in the grammatical design of individual quotation elements) and structural transformations (abbreviation or, conversely, supplementation) of the ancient quotations on portraits depending on their respective functional load, which the painters availed themselves of, in order to explicitly convey their artistic intention. The article scrutinizes various semantic transformations undergone by ancient quotations in terms of their use in a completely different (as regards to the original text) cultural context. It also offers general description of the functional semantics of ancient quotations on secular portraits of the Renaissance period.

르네상스기 프랑스의 아시아 인물 전기: 앙드레 테베의 『명사초상록』 제8부를 중심으로

In Italy and France in the mid-16th century, a novel trend arose to collect “portraits” of famous people and write elogies and biographies based on them, with authors such as Paolo Giovio and Giorgio Vasari in Italy and André Thevet in France as prime examples. The portraits of this period broke away from medieval stereotypes and sought to depict individuals realistically while revealing their inner characteristics through their outward appearance. In the second half of 16th century, French readers were interested not only in the experiences of overseas colonization but also in politics and the military matters, due to the religious conflicts and political turmoil during the French Wars of Religion. The biography written by André Thevet, Les Vrais Pourtraicts et vies des hommes illustres, grecs, latins et payens, published in 1584 reflects the historical context of this period. In particular, Book VIII of Thevet’s work is devoted to biographies of pagan celebrities from Asia, Africa, the Americas, as wells Europe. Among them, Tamerlane (Amir Timur), is the unique historical figure from the Tatars. His portrait and biographical text reveal the complex ambivalence of fear and reverence that Renaissance Europeans held toward him. Additionally, Tamerlane’s biography exemplifies Renaissance Orientalism and humanistic interests in exotic ethnicities, geography and language.

“Turning Others’ Leaves”: The Politics of National Literary Identity in Renaissance England

The origins of the sense in Renaissance England for a distinct English literary identity may be traced back to Geoffrey Chaucer and John Gower in the fourteenth century. However, it was with the Elizabethan generation of writers and poets in the second half of the sixteenth century that this sense became a serious concern and constituted the essence of their literary politics at the time. In fact, at a time when political, ideological, cultural, economic, commercial, and colonialist nationalism was on the rise in Renaissance Europe, it would not be unusual for the Elizabethans to pursue radical policies of nationalism in every sphere, including most importantly the formation of a national literary identity. Accordingly, for the literati of the time, especially for the generation of Sir Philip Sidney, Edmund Spenser, Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, and their contemporaries, literary creativity and originality and, consequently, independence from foreign influence were to be prioritized and privileged over imitation and traditionality. Therefore, they increasingly turned away from the imitation of Continental literary norms and explicitly rejected Petrarchan populism; instead, they were involved in a deliberate and focused engagement in a process of theoretical and pragmatic politics for the creation of national literature. The new national literature they envisaged was not only to be authentic and native in identity but also to match up the intellectual standards of Renaissance humanism and literary performance at large. So this article is an analytical and argumentative attempt, with the main focus on Sidney and Spenser, to demonstrate in what ways and by what perceptions the Elizabethans were motivated for the formation of a national literary identity.

The Urological Tribulations of Michel de Montaigne: How the Essayist's Stones Influenced His Writings

ObjectiveTo explore how Michel de Montaigne’s battle with urolithiasis influenced his writings and philosophical outlook during the Renaissance period. Materials and MethodsThe study examines historical texts, Montaigne’s personal essays, and contemporary medical literature from the Renaissance era. A comprehensive review of Montaigne’s extensive travels across Europe, interactions with prominent physicians, and the various treatments he sought for urolithiasis is conducted. The analysis focuses on how these experiences shaped his literary work and philosophical reflections. ResultsMontaigne’s struggle with urolithiasis began at the age of 45, profoundly impacting his life and writings. His journey through France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy in search of relief, along with consultations with renowned physicians such as Félix Platter and Girolamo Borro, significantly influenced his philosophical inquiries into human suffering and mortality. Montaigne’s detailed accounts of his condition, describing 19 episodes of renal colic, offered early patient-centered perspectives in medical literature, highlighting the importance of understanding the psychological and emotional dimensions of illness. His therapeutic use of thermal baths and other non-invasive treatments reflected the medical practices of the time. ConclusionMontaigne’s experience with urolithiasis not only shaped his philosophical essays but also underscored the importance of empathetic and holistic patient care. His writings emphasize the need for integrating patient narratives into medical practice, a concept that remains crucial in contemporary healthcare. Montaigne’s legacy continues to inspire a compassionate approach to urological care, emphasizing the interconnected nature of physical and emotional well-being, and advocating for a more patient-centered perspective in medical treatments.

Neokantyści Wilhelm Windelband, Heinrich Rickert i Ernst Cassirer wobec filozofii renesansu

Neo-Kantianism as a philosophical formation is characterised primarily by its reference to the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. Nevertheless, to say that the essence of Neo-Kantianism was solely a renewal of Kant's philosophy is insufficient. Also specific to this formation was the adaptation of Kant's thought to the new chalenges of philosophy at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A uniquely exciting analogy for Neo-Kantian philosophy is its reference to the thought of the Renaissance period. Just as the Renaissance marked the revival of many ancient philosophical currents (Platonism, Neoplatonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, Scepticism and even Ionian natural philosophy) in the early modern period, Neo-Kantianism represented a kind of Renaissance of Kant’s philosophy. This affinity of thought is suggested by representatives of the two most important Neo-Kantian schools: Wilhelm Windelband, Heinrich Rickert and Ernst Cassirer. This article focuses on this historical-philosophical parallel by examining the relationship between Neo-Kantianism and Renaissance philosophy. The results show that Neo-Kantianism is not limited to an apologetic repetition of Kant’s philosophy but constitutes a heterodox and critical renewal of it. Such an apologetic approach did not work in modern philosophy, which is dominated by the spirit of criticism. Thus, the Neo-Kantian formation shows deep connections with other periods in the history of philosophy, such as Renaissance philosophy, as a breakthrough period initiating a modern mode of reflection. Understanding the relationship between Neo-Kantianism and other philosophical movements can help us appreciate the richness and complexity of contemporary philosophical thought.

An In-depth Analysis of Painting Rules During the Renaissance Period: A Discussion on Language and Themes

An In-depth Analysis of Painting Rules During the Renaissance Period: A Discussion on Language and Themes

Charting The Skeptopathy - Skepticism Continuum: A Constructive Aid in the Interests of Consistent and Reliable Scientific Activity

We begin this paper by attempting to define what skepticism is. We also attempt to define other related and allied concepts such as skeptopathy, pathological skepticism, and pseudo-skepticism, and compare and contrast all these different concepts. We also present the various thoughts and opinions of different thinkers on all these issues, and also attempt to explain how thoughts related to these issues evolved through the ages. We therefore begin right from the Ancient Greeks, on to Ancient Rome, the medieval period, the renaissance period, the enlightenment period, and then proceed to the modern period. We propose how an ideal sweet spot can be accomplished and attained based on the quantum and the quality of scientific output, the opportunity loss, the quantum of pseudo-science or bad science generated in the process of scientific study. Last but not the least, we make a valiant attempt to reconcile the different concepts in this paper with the concepts proposed in our earlier papers as applicable so that meaningful extensions and additions can be made, and further takeaways added. We also emphasize the need for generating a wider awareness on this issue, all in the interests of good science, and make it central to scientific methodology and debate. Needless, to say, it will need to be taught in schools, colleges and universities at the appropriate level so that students appreciate and understand all dimensions of the issue.

On the Moral Considerations of Machiavelli’s “De-Moralization” of Politics

Machiavelli was an influential political thinker during the Western European Renaissance period, and his work “The Prince” has been a subject of controversy for proposing the “de-moralization” of politics. However, an in-depth study of his writings reveals a profound moral consideration for people, the populace, and the state, which aids in a more comprehensive understanding of Machiavelli’s true thoughts.

Chinese Echoes

This paper presents a single artefact, a base sherd from a storage jar. The pot is dark grey stoneware with a thick, light grey-green celadon glaze. The inside is slipcovered with a thin layer of beige-brown clay and has distinct turning marks. Theoriginal theory was that this might be Chinese Dusun Ware, a type of storage jars which were widely exported from East Asia to the Middle East during the 8th–10th Centuries CE. Such an artefact would have been sensational to find as far north asOslo, Norway, although the sturdy pots were widely reused and have been known to travel to North-Western Europe. To check its provenance, ICP analyses were carried out – and thus a completely different story could be written, one of Western Europeans copying the much sought-after East Asian pottery in the Late Medieval and Renaissance periods. So how did this convincing Chinese copy arrive in Oslo, who could have brought it, and when did it arrive on these shores? Importantly, what can a Chinese copy tell us about relations and connections between Europe and China? We were intrigued, and wonder how many other examples of this may be found in the Nordic countries?

European Smalt in 17th-Century Japan: Porcelain Decoration and Sacred Art

Japanese art tradition, contrary to the case of China, is characterized by an efficient and continued, although mostly undocumented, use of smalt from the late 16th century onward. Recent studies have successfully identified this pigment, the cobalt-colored glass that spread throughout the Old Continent during the Renaissance period, as the coloring agent employed for overglaze-blue enameling on Japanese porcelains produced at the kilns of Arita (the porcelain production center of Japan) from the early 1640s until the 20th century. Fragmentary evidence of the use of smalt in Japanese sacred art has also been reported, yet its earliest incorporation into such a type of traditional art form could not be identified. In order to resolve this crucial issue, portable EDXRF was employed for the non-destructive analyses of Japanese porcelains and sacred images bearing blue decoration. Scientific analysis allowed, for the first time ever, to establish a clear timeline of smalt use. Furthermore, this evidence and the literature data both agree, leading to the identification of the origin of the blue material used on both art productions.

Beneath the surface: A historical exploration of trepanation practices across cultures and eras.

This research article explores the ancient origins of trepanation, unravelling its early instances and the associated cultural beliefs that have shaped cranial surgery. It scrutinises the medieval and Renaissance periods, elucidating the evolution of trepanation techniques within the context of advancements in medical knowledge and societal changes. In addition, the research investigates the diverse practices of trepanation across cultures, offering insights into the unique approaches, beliefs and rituals associated with this ancient surgical procedure. Examining the decline of trepanation in mainstream medicine, the article assesses the factors contributing to its diminishing prevalence and the emergence of alternative surgical methods. The study also delves into sporadic resurgences of trepanation in unconventional contexts, providing a nuanced understanding of its enduring fascination. In exploring trepanation's impact on modern medicine, the article sheds light on its contributions to the study of cranial anatomy, the evolution of surgical tools and the broader narrative of medical progress. Ultimately, this historical investigation contributes to a comprehensive understanding of trepanation, revealing the intricate interplay between medicine, culture and the human quest for knowledge and healing.

What is the Relationship between Islam and Liberalism in the Qur'anic Perspective?

This study examines the relationship between Islam and liberalism, reviews the concept of liberalism, its history, and the perspective of the Qur'an. Liberalism, which emphasizes individual freedom, is often seen as contrary to Islamic principles centered on Sharia. Rooted in the European Renaissance period, liberalism developed in response to the domination of religion and monarchy, encouraging democracy and a free economy. The Qur'an, in verses such as Sura Al-Baqarah, Ar-ra'ad and Al-Isra affirms the importance of obeying the Shari'a and staying away from lust. This research method uses an interpretive approach. Researchers analyze the text and interpretation of the Qur'an to understand the Islamic view of liberalism, with the aim of providing insight into contemporary liberalism discourse.

Schwab, Maren Elisabeth, and Anthony Grafton. The Art of Discovery: Digging into the Past in Renaissance Europe

Schwab, Maren Elisabeth, and Anthony Grafton. The Art of Discovery: Digging into the Past in Renaissance Europe

Plasmon-Mediated Organic Photoelectrochemistry Applied to Amination Reactions.

Organic electrochemistry is currently experiencing an era of renaissance, which is closely related to the possibility of carrying out organic transformations under mild conditions, with high selectivity, high yields, and without the use of toxic solvents. Combination of organic electrochemistry with alternative approaches, such as photo-chemistry was found to have great potential due to induced synergy effects. In this work, we propose for the first time utilization of plasmon triggering of enhanced and regio-controlled organic chemical transformation performed in photoelectrochemical regime. The advantages of the proposed route is demonstrated in the model amination reaction with formation of C-N bond between pyrazole and substituted benzene derivatives. Amination was performed in photo-electrochemical mode on the surface of plasmon active Au@Pt electrode with attention focused on the impact of plasmon triggering on the reaction efficiency and regio-selectivity. The ability to enhance the reaction rate significantly and to tune products regio-selectivity is demonstrated. We also performed density functional theory calculations to inquire about the reaction mechanism and potentially explain the plasmon contribution to electrochemical reaction rate and regioselectivity.

Printing and Misprinting: A Companion to Mistakes and In-House Corrections in Renaissance Europe (1450–1650). Edited by Geri Della Rocca de Candal, Anthony Grafton, and Paolo Sachet

<i>Printing and Misprinting: A Companion to Mistakes and In-House Corrections in Renaissance Europe (1450–1650)</i>. Edited by Geri Della Rocca de Candal, Anthony Grafton, and Paolo Sachet

Building more mathematico in Renaissance Venice

In the mid-fifteenth century, Venice inherited Cardinal Bessarione’s collection of ancient manuscripts, an exceptional legacy that contributed to the renewal of mathematical studies. This essay outlines the spread of mathematics in Venice in the early Renaissance, when scholars actively discussed Euclid and universal proportions. Based on this cultural context, the author briefly analyzes the role of polyhedra and an example of the application of proportions to architecture: the church of San Francesco della Vigna in Venice. This church is an interesting and rare case of ‘declared’ application of proportions to architecture, since we have specific indications in Francesco Zorzi’s memorandum written in 1535.

Scent, Art and Astronomy: New Light on Tang Incense Spheres and Their Global Connections

This paper explores the cultural and scientific connections between China, India and Iran through examining a specific type of incense burner with a gimbal device. Similar artefacts have been found in Tang China (618–907 ce), Seljuk (1037–1194 ce) and Mamluk (1250–1517 ce) Central/West Asia, and Renaissance Europe, while textual references complicate the historical narrative. Additionally, the structural resemblance of the object to an armillary sphere and its inner gimbal device add scientific significance. By examining these objects in connection with each other, and thoroughly analysing the relevant sources, this paper argues for an earlier and continuous circulation of these artefacts. It pays close attention to the cultural significance and material features of Tang incense spheres, revealing them as multicultural items potentially influenced by Persian and Central Asian production or importation.