The Shift Between The Middle Ages And Renaissance Essay

The shift between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance was characterized by great socio-economic, political, and religious changes. Politically, the feudal system of the Middle Ages was exchanged for a more stable centralized republic/monarchy system that gave the people more freedom and input. Religiously, secularism became more important as stability gave people a chance to concern themselves with the â€Å"here and now† rather than simply the â€Å"hereafter.† Socially, there was a shift from dogma and unshakeable belief to humanism and the ability to interpret things for oneself. The Middle Ages began around 400 CE and lasted until 1400 CE while the Renaissance began around 1200 and continued until 1600. The 200 years that overlap between†¦show more content†¦The Chansons de Geste are epic poetry from French literature around the time of Charlemagne that myth logically told the stories of paladins, knights, and lords. An illumination from this manuscri pt called Roland Fealty (attached) shows Roland, a well-known leader of the time pledging his allegiance, or fealty, to Charlemagne as a vassal pledging his allegiance to his lord. Roland and his men have one hand in the air and are depicted as knights with swords on their sides, as is customary of leaders during this time. Charlemagne’s face is full of strength and wisdom as he embodies the characteristics of an ideal leader. The piece is similar to other well-known works from the time such as the Ottonian Otto III enthroned. The transitional piece of the Limbourg brothers October from Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry depicts the vassals working in the fields while the castle in the background shows the prevalence of feudalism even in the early 15th century. The statue David by Donatello was patronized by the Medici family and depicts David from the Biblical David and Goliath story in which tiny David kills the giant with only a stone. David was a moral figure f or Florence because he represented them earlier during this time in which they were living under threat of invasion by King Ladislaus. The Medici’s chose to patronize another statue of him, perhaps to revive humanism even more. During this time, the Medici family was coming to power inShow MoreRelatedThe Transition Of Medieval And Modern Times1235 Words   |  5 Pageshappened over a long period of time. The middle ages marked a dark time in Europe’s history, and the people were anxious to get out. The Renaissance began, and art emerged to create a brighter society. During the Reformation, the country shifted away from the Roman Catholic Church, and many Protestant religions emerged. The Scientific Revolution also marked a change in medical to modern by creating new ways to look at the world and mathematics. 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