Patrons of the Renaissance
Activities 1 A and 1 B:
INTRODUCTION:
Patron n 1 a: a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter b.: a wealthy or influential supporter of an artists or writer c.: a social or financial sponsor of a social function (as a ball or concert) 2: one who uses his wealth or influence to help an individual, an institution, or a cause.During the Renaissance the wealth of rich merchants and bankers made additional patronage of the arts and sciences possible. In the Middle Ages, the Church had been the sole patron of the arts and though it continued to support individuals of talent, the advent of secular patronage encourage secular art.
The Medici family of Florence gave a great deal of money to the Church and the poor. They were known for throwing lavish festivals. Everyone, rich or poor, was invited. Many Medici were also talented men and women who appreciated the talents of others. They became patrons to poor young artists and collected the finest pieces for their palaces. Some of the most famous works of art of the Renaissance were paid for by Medici money.
TIME:
1 class period and outside research timeMATERIALS & PREPARATION:
Copies of pages 74-75 in December 7, 1998 issue of TIME entitled "Blessed Barons".(www.time.com Cover to Introduction to Blessed Barons)
Prepare a brief lecture on the artists & works supported through the patronage of the Medici family and Catholic Church during the Renaissance.
Display the definition of patron.
OBJECTIVE:
The students will understand to role of patronage in both the Renaissance and modern day.PROCEDURES:
- Display the definition of patron and tell students to copy it at the top of the page.
- Instruct students to design a graphic organizer which shows the contributions of the Medici family and the Church to Renaissance art as you lecture on this topic.
Ask students to give examples of local events, activities, objects, or structures made possible through the philanthropy of modern patrons. List these on the board for students to copy at the bottom of their right-side pages. Continue by soliciting examples of patronage at the state and national levels. - Share "Robber Barons" from the Dec. 7, 1998 issue of TIME pages 74-75 and discuss the ways these men used their wealth to contribute to society.
- Instruct students to research one 20th century patron (local, state, national, international) and write a short essay with the following information
- Who and When
- How the patron got his/her money
- Description of the act(s) of patronage
- Who benefitted
- The student's personal philosophy on the importance of philanthropy
- A catchy title
Top of page