The Art of Renaissance

It really is amazing to me how perspective was such an innovation at the time of the renaissance period. Looking at the art today, one can not understand how something that seems so logical would not cross an artists mind, at that time.In my art history class we learn of trompe Loi' and how the artists intent is to "trick the eye". It's amazing what shading and the use of different gestures can make a paint transcend space.

One aspect for the renaissance art that really astounds me, are the portraits. At that time only the very wealthy, and those in positions of power were fortunate to have these created for them, but some of the most interesting are the normal citizens. I have seen them and they are very interesting. I understand that religion was a huge part of art, but to see a portrait of a person of the general population. Do you think that seeing a painting or portrait of religious figure or of an everyday citizen would be more interesting?

Elizabeth I

1) The article was 7,455.
2) Term that i searched: Elizabeth I, Wikipedia search term: Elizabeth I of England.
3) No disambiguation link.
4) On the discussion page there was tons of discussion regarding fact and fiction of Elizabeths life. There were many posts on the correctiveness of the wikipedia article and how historians have changed on their points of view regarding Elizabeth.
5) History: First post was Feb. 14 2007, last post: Nov. 15th 2008.
6) External links: 4
7) There were 5 accredited further reading articles.

From all the articles that i have read there are always positive things to say about Elizabeth, but what i found interesting in this article were some of the historians recounting her indecisiveness and her short temper. Throughout the article she is referred to as a "dogged survivor". I learned new things such as the end of her reign and before her death, that people were not satsified with her duty as queen and thought that she was doing a poor job. A large portion of the article talked about her choice to never marry and her feminist points of view. Her foreign relations were also greatly reviewed.

Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth's speech at the Spanish Armada was surely one of the greatest and most passionate speech's i have ever read. Elizabeth is such an amazing figure in history and now that i know more about what was happening around her at that time, it makes her ambition and courage that much more amazing. She points out that fact that she is a women and is of a weak and feeble body, but she has the heart of a king. She doesn't sit and dictate to her people, but she asks how she can be of service in making her country better, she lets the people know she will be a general and a leader. She had much confidence in her people. She was England's savior.

She never let her guard down and always stood for what was right for england, not necessarily herself.

Elizabeth I

The Confession

The confession was very interesting to read, in that i am Catholic and have spent years following the Catholic faith. I am, however, open minded, so i didn't go into this with a negative attitude. I could spot differences and then weigh them. It wa actually a really good experience. The confession was to voice basic beliefs of the swiss brethen voices. It is definitely not a complete account of the christian belief system.

There was a certain tone and language that rang true, there was definitely a strong language towards the condemnation of the state. In al of it's different chapters, it was a very intelligently and traditionally written.

After reading Luther's 95 theses and the the Schletheim Confession, i really respect these people who put so much thought and effort into learning and diligently learning about religion.

Martin Luther 95 Theses

I will admit that i have seen and read about Martin Luther's 95 theses, but have never taken the time to actually read all 95. The one that really struck me was number 47. " Christians are to be taught that the buying of indulgences, needs and thus desires their devout prayer more than their money."

Luther's Humanist views were so very inventive and really opened the eyes of devout church followers. The theses addressed the indulgences of the church and how the church was really relying on the financial aid of those who were willing to give money and help the church.

I thought that it was a good tactic of Martin Luther to use a passage from Acts for the last these statement.

95) and tus be confident of entering into heaven through many tribulations rather than through false security of peace. (acts 14:22)

The Prince

Machiavelli's The Prince as always been a favorite of mine. When i first read this as required reading for a class i felt as if it was the most thought provoking piece i had read that semester. Machiavelli used this piece of literature to prove his proficiency of the state. His understanding on how important protecting, acquiring and maintaining the state was. Hw was a believer of war and backed up his reasons for it. As a person of power he knew that the sole art of war belongs to him who rules.

I think my favorite portion of The Prince is the love and fear part. Is it greater to be loved or feared and Machiavelli answers this question very intelligently. He states that there is greater security in being feared that being in love. One is to inspire fear and win love. Love and fear are difficult to unite in just one person. He understood that as a ruler he knew that friendship could be obtained by payments.