Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
To what extent did the Italian Renaissance change Europe?
Position1 of 4›

The Italian Renaissance initiated an economic boom

This position holds that the Italian Renaissance changed Europe above all by initiating an economic boom. It argues that expanding trade and manufacturing — financed by new banking houses and the wealthy families who commissioned art — gave people a real sense of living through a rebirth.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Wealthy and powerful families were able to financially support artists through commission
    Wealthy families, like the Medici family of Florence, paid artists for their services. This form of commission was known as patronage. The people who paid the artists were known as patrons, and these patrons allowed artists like Leonardo da Vinco, Michaelangelo, and Cossa to live fulfilling lives.
  2. The development of banking helped finance trade
    As the Italian economy grew, so did capitalism, and the feudal system began to disappear. Commercial activity and trade increased, which came with a demand for banks to administer transactions and assets.