Women+Before+and+After+the+Renaissance

How were women artists and humanists treated during and after the renaissance? Women's lives throughout Europe during the Renaissance were strongly shaped by the ambivalent attitudes of the powerful Church.The Renaissance has been called a period of renewed intellctual,political, an artistic developement, the "rebirth" of civilization benefited only men. Due to religious customs and prejudice women were kept at home. Women were denied any political rights. Even women of the highest class, though attended by servants, most often engaged in the tasks of the household, sewing, cooking, and entertaining, among others. Women who did not marry were not permitted to live independently. Instead, they lived in the households of their male relatives or, more often, joined a convent. However, there was a glimpse of certain women gaining the courage to speak up. Isabella d'Este also known a "First Lady of the Renaissance" spoke to women about breaking away from traditional rule. Isabella patronized and promoted the arts.She frequently gave public performances, in which she demonstrated her skill at singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. Women at this time didn't have any expectations concerning a role in society and were active in spinning wool and carding. After the Renaissance women were treated greater but not by much. Some individual opportunities arose such as education. Women now had the ability to learn and practice. A towns person could now find a women painting religious themes and even still like.

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