Overview
This lecture explores the end of the Renaissance and the rise of the Reformation in 16th-century Europe, highlighting major religious, intellectual, and artistic changes, especially the challenge to the Catholic Church and the resulting transformations in art and society.
Artistic Shifts and Historical Context
- The 16th century saw transitions from High Renaissance to Mannerism, and at the century’s end, the emergence of Baroque art.
- The Protestant Reformation challenged the spiritual and political authority of the Catholic Church, directly affecting the use of religious images (art).
- Iconoclasm, or the destruction of images, occurred as a result of Reformation debates.
Power of the Church and Calls for Reform
- In 1500, the Church was a dominant force in Western Europe, controlling both spiritual and political power.
- Corruption in the Church included practices like simony and nepotism, and some popes focused more on politics than religion.
- Early efforts to reform the Church (e.g., John Wyclif, Jan Hus) had failed until Martin Luther’s challenge.
Martin Luther and the Start of the Reformation
- Martin Luther, a German monk, began the Reformation in 1517 by posting his “95 Theses” criticizing Church practices, especially the sale of indulgences.
- Indulgences were documents sold by the Church that claimed to reduce time in purgatory in exchange for money.
- Luther’s core belief was "justification by faith alone," meaning salvation comes through faith, not good works.
- “Scripture alone” became central; Luther and other reformers used the newly invented printing press to circulate Bibles in local languages.
- Luther denied the Catholic concept of transubstantiation in Holy Communion, further dividing beliefs.
The Catholic Counter-Reformation
- The Catholic Church responded to the Reformation with the Counter-Reformation, culminating in the Council of Trent (1545–1563).
- Outcomes of the Council of Trent included:
- Continued belief in justification by faith plus good works (Doctrine of Merit).
- Affirmation of purgatory, indulgences, and all seven sacraments.
- Maintenance of Church authority through both scripture and tradition.
- Reaffirmation of the value of religious art, but with stricter regulation to prevent idolatry.
Broader Impacts and Legacy
- The period was marked by religious violence; both Protestant and Catholic groups were often intolerant of each other.
- The Reformation and Counter-Reformation changed art patronage and shifted the role of religious images in society.
- The Scientific Revolution began, with figures like Copernicus challenging old worldviews.
- European exploration and colonization expanded, increasing contact and debate about the wider world.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Iconoclasm — the destruction of religious images due to doctrinal disputes.
- Indulgence — a document sold by the Church, claiming to reduce punishment for sins.
- Justification by Faith — Luther’s belief that faith alone, not good deeds, grants salvation.
- Transubstantiation — Catholic doctrine that bread and wine become Christ’s body and blood during Communion.
- Council of Trent — Catholic council convened to address Reformation issues and reform Church practices.
- Counter-Reformation — the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the main outcomes of the Council of Trent.
- Read about Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and their significance.
- Explore examples of art from High Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque periods.
- Investigate key figures in the Scientific Revolution (e.g., Copernicus).
- Suggested reading: "A Beginner's Guide to the History of Western Culture" (Smarthistory).