The Renaissance Man and Woman

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the qualities deemed necessary for one to be considered a renaissance man or woman. These characteristics are taken from literary sources of the Renaissance. The features of the Renaissance man and woman suggest at once a superficial concern with appearances and at the same time an appreciation for the innate talents and abilities of every human being. The author takes issue with the lack of morality placed on the Renaissance man or women.

From the Paper:

"Physical prowess and mastery of weaponry are essential skills for Castiglione's Renaissance man. Both men and woman are victims of their physical endowments. According to Castiglione, being too tall or too short can hinder the development of a man's athletic skills (p. 34). The Renaissance man is also literally well-rounded: he should be agile and strong, with "shapely" limbs (Castiglione, p. 30, line 26). Renaissance women must also fulfill specific requirements. Though they should develop their bodies as well as their minds, Renaissance women should not undertake strenuous activities, as even dancing too energetically can impede her "womanly sweetness," (Castiglione, p. 35, line 192). Neither men nor women should take sport--or anything else--too seriously because being well-rounded is more important than being a specialist. At the same time, both Castiglione and Alberti infer an appreciation for the diligent development of specific talents and skills, whether tennis, dancing, or archery. Therefore, the ideal person is not a dilettante. When the Renaissance man or woman becomes proficient at something, he or she can show that skill off in polite company, though without conceit. Being what modern people would call "cool" is a key component of the Renaissance ideal. Castiglione calls that feature "nonchalance," and the Renaissance man and woman should be talented and modest at the same time."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alberti, Leon Battista. On the Family. 1513-1518. Excerpt in Fiero, Gloria K. "Chapter 16: Classical Humanism in the Age of the Renaissance." The Humanistic Tradition, Book 3. 5th edition, 2006.
• Castiglione, Baldassare. Book of the Courtier. 1443. Excerpt in Excerpt in Fiero, Gloria K. "Chapter 16: Classical Humanism in the Age of the Renaissance." The Humanistic Tradition, Book 3. 5th edition, 2006.

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