Year 7 - History
The Italian Renaissance: art and architecture
The Renaissance: what do the artefacts of the Renaissance tell us about it?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the Renaissance by examining its material culture. They study various artefacts of the Renaissance and compare the Northern and Italian Renaissances. Throughout, pupils reflect on what evidence about the Renaissance can be taken from these sources.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe some examples of Renaissance art and architecture.
Key Notes
- New artistic techniques were developed during the Renaissance.
- Da Vinci's artworks like the Mona Lisa display these techniques.
- Painters studied one another's work to improve their craft.
- St Peter's Basilica in Rome is a classic example of Renaissance architecture.
- Renaissance architecture drew on classical models.
Vocabulary To Learn
- sfumato: the artistic technique of allowing tones or colours to gradually shade into one another is called sfumato
- chiaroscuro: the use of light and shade in drawing and painting is called chiaroscuro
- basilica: a basilica is a church considered highly important by the Catholic Church
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils might think that because Renaissance architects used mathematical calculations to design their buildings, these were without subsequent problems or issues.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
New artistic techniques were developed during the Renaissance. Da Vinci's artworks like the Mona Lisa display these techniques.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'sfumato'
the artistic technique of allowing tones or colours to gradually shade into one another is called sfumato.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Pupils might think that because Renaissance architects used mathematical calculations to design their buildings, these were without subsequent problems or issues. Correction: Explain to pupils that these architects often made miscalculations and many subsequent improvement works were needed to ensure buildings like St Peter's did not fall down.
More Lessons In This Unit
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