Art, God, and Intellect, The Humanist Effect on England

Cardinal Cajetan examines Martin Luther and his writings in Augsburg, Germany, 1518. Lutherhaus, Eisenach, Germany. Bridgeman Images

Northern Europe benefited artistically and intellectually during the spread of Humanism. The radical drive for education, rebellion by secular art, and courageous feat to become independent from the Catholic Church all can be thanked to Humanism, especially. In England, an emergence of new, fresh culture flourished alone from the introduction of books for reading. Soon advancements in Science from William Harvey, and Theological ideas that wold catalyze the Protestant Reformation. Though the reformation is not directly Humanistic, inspiration and pioneered through Humanists like Martin Luther.

Peasant Wedding. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. c1567. /www.wga.hu/html_m/b/bruegel/pieter_e/10/01weddin.html

Printing gave an avenue for all disciplines from religion to literature to flourish beyond a local level. The printing press is highly credited for the works of greats like Montaigne and Machiavelli being distributed through Europe. Reformation leaders could spread ideas widely through Europe, and be confident that it will be read due to there now being hard copy available. The amount and availability books increased literacy across Europe,

Humanism thrived during this period due to the access to books and education, which lead to higher literacy rates. Some of the most brilliant works would come about such as plays, pamphlets, and essays. The printing press, obviously used to create bibles galore, gave the people the ability not depend on the Catholic Church for scholarship of the bible. To be able to study the bible independently, helped harvest more seeds on intellectual growth and understanding of the scriptures which would cause one of the most incredible revolutions in the world. The Reformation.

With respect to resources:

Cunningham, Lawrence and John Reich, eds. Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities. Vol 2.              Wadsworth, 2005.