Student Scholars Day

Historiography, Connection, and Innovation in Renaissance Florence

Kirkhof Center 2259

Historians bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to interpretations of the past. Each society evaluates the past based on its own methodologies, information and available technology. People, places, events, and time periods can be interpreted in a multitude of different ways depending on social and political contexts and based on the perceptions of the interpreter. One example of this is the famed art of the Renaissance period, which can be analyzed as a reflection of the goals and desires of those behind the changing political climate. Historians can view the Renaissance as a time period that, while previously thought to be a period devoted strictly to Classical modes and ways of thought, in reality constitutes a more complex era. In addition to Classical influence, even older ideas were utilized by those in power to create the appearance of smooth stability and unbroken tradition, coupled with patrons' and artists' attempts at innovation based on traditional ideas.