Earthly Delights: A History of the Renaissance

Earthly Delights is a narrative history of the Renaissance that covers Europe and its global context, celebrating the Renaissance as a seismic change in European mentalities. It features artists from northern and southern Europe, such as Leonardo, Bosch, Bruegel, and Titian, and explores their lives against a period of convulsive change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The Renaissance, a period of immense cultural and intellectual flourishing that emerged in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, has been the subject of much debate and speculation among historians. While some scholars argue that it was a real and significant historical phenomenon, others are skeptical about its existence. In his book "Earthly Delights," Jonathan Jones seeks to rekindle the Renaissance as a seismic shift in European mentalities, encompassing a panoramic history that spans Florence, Bruges, London, and Nuremberg.

The Renaissance was a time when artists from both northern and southern Europe came together to create a new kind of art that was both innovative and beautiful. Some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli. These artists were known for their use of perspective, their attention to detail, and their ability to capture the human form in a way that had never been seen before.

One of the most significant aspects of the Renaissance was its emphasis on humanism. Humanists believed that humans were the center of the universe and that they were capable of achieving great things. They were also interested in exploring the natural world and learning about the cultures of other people. This led to a renewed interest in classical literature, philosophy, and science, as well as a greater appreciation for the arts.

Another important aspect of the Renaissance was its exploration of new technologies and ideas. This included the development of the printing press, which allowed for the widespread dissemination of knowledge and ideas. It also included the exploration of new lands and the discovery of new materials, such as gold and silver.

The Renaissance was also a time of great political and social change. This included the rise of the merchant class, the decline of the feudal system, and the emergence of new cities and states. The Renaissance also saw the rise of the Catholic Church as a powerful force in Europe, which led to a greater emphasis on religious and moral values.

Despite its many achievements, the Renaissance was not without its challenges. One of the most significant challenges was the rise of nationalism, which led to a greater emphasis on the unique cultural and historical identity of individual countries. This led to a sense of competition and conflict between different nations, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

In conclusion, the Renaissance was a period of immense cultural and intellectual flourishing that emerged in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. While some scholars argue that it was a real and significant historical phenomenon, others are skeptical about its existence. In his book "Earthly Delights," Jonathan Jones seeks to rekindle the Renaissance as a seismic shift in European mentalities, encompassing a panoramic history that spans Florence, Bruges, London, and Nuremberg. The Renaissance was a time when artists from both northern and southern Europe came together to create a new kind of art that was both innovative and beautiful. It was also a time of great political and social change, as well as the rise of new technologies and ideas. Despite its many achievements, the Renaissance was not without its challenges, such as the rise of nationalism and the outbreak of World War I.

Weight: 1142g
Dimension: 200 x 254 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500023136