All Machiavelli’s ideas from The Prince shows the Renaissance increasing growth of individual analysis. This depiction of an ideal prince shows Machiavelli’s different perspective on how an individual should act to protect the wellbeing of the state’s strength. A fox can recognize and detect things while a lion can protect (3). Yet, he advises a prince to be like a fox and lion. In addition, he argues that a prince should have a cruel reputation to keep his subjects united. This literature displays the complex beauty of humans in a negative manner. Also, he rejects Christian teachings of morality by saying a prince should neglect moral codes that are not beneficial to them (3). For example, he says that the state is not from a divine origin but a creation of man (3). In The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, Machiavelli countered Christian beliefs and advised how humans should act. In contrast, Renaissance literature focused more on the individual. Middle Ages’ literature reflected the ideals of chivalry and Christian beliefs. Literature of the Renaissance reflects a change from writings based solely on religion to a more humanistic attitude. Self expression and pursuit of perfection were highly unconsidered in the Middle Ages, but the growing appreciation for one’s lifetime increased the acceptance of personal beauty and the pursuit of perfection. The topic focuses on the present life a human being, which varies greatly from the works of the Middle Ages, which were focused on the afterlife of humans. The piece stresses self expression and individualism, as the representation of love and beauty is in fact a piece of art. This admiration also shows the interest in aesthetic appearance which went highly unconsidered in the Middle Ages. The admiration for a symbol of beauty shows the acceptance and admiration for the pursuit of humanly perfection. The painting shows the cherubs looking up at the Roman goddess of beauty and love. Titian’s painting Worship of Venus depicts a large gathering of Christian Cherubs frolicking in the shadow of Roman goddess Venus. The transition from the depths of religious order was shown in the works of painters such as the Italian Titian, (2) the best painter in the Venetian School. With the heavy implementation of religious values, the Middle Ages was hardly a time for the pursuit of the ideal human existence, because the quest for a peaceful afterlife was a more pressing issue. The Middle Ages was a period starved of creativity in stark contrast to the vastly more lively period of the Renaissance. Although superficiality was condemned in favor of spirituality in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance challenged the lack of individual analysis in the Middle Ages, neglecting strict religious beliefs in favor of free expression. Patronage of the arts and greater emphasis on education were two features of the Renaissance that reflected a change in attitude from the church-based Middle Ages, but individualism and freedom of expression were the largest factors. The principles of the Pope and Church were still followed by the people and influenced many, but finding new information led to the realization that humans are the most important topic. As a result, the understanding of human nature grew through great thinkers and artists looking into a person’s individuality as the central point of their existence. When the Crusades were commissioned by the Pope, information was brought back and ultimately rebirthed Europe’s thinking and artwork, signaling the Renaissance period. Practices of the Middle Ages emphasized the importance of Christian beliefs, as Christianity was thought to be the most powerful and undeniable force.
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