Contributions of Medici Family in Renaissance Movement

There is no doubt that a lot of political, economical, cultural and artistic activities took place in the renaissance age. A number of renaissance men and women gave their contributions in the flourish of different fields of art and science. Sculpture, painting, renaissance clothing and there were many other aspects, in which the society progressed. On the other hand, a huge growth had also been witnessed during that period.

Medici was unquestionably one of the big names during that period, whose contribution in the renaissance era can never be overlooked. It was a banking family, a political dynasty and later on became a royal family. Prominent contribution of this family is recognized in the economic growth of the society; however, it has some other contributions also. For instance, four popes of Roman Catholic Church were produced by this family. The popes from Medici family included Pope Leo X from 1513 to 1521, Pope Clement VII from 1523 to 1534, Pope Pius IV from 1559 to 1565, and Pope Leo XI  in 1605. So, this family had a great role in papacy also. Moreover, Catherine de' Medici (1547–1559) and Marie de' Medici (1600–1610) were two regent queens of France, who were from Medici Dynasty. The family also became hereditary Dukes of Florence in 1531 A.D.

Besides, the Medici family gained prominence in the wool trade in 14th century. It will be significant to mention that wool was used in manufacturing the medieval clothing as well as some renaissance costumes. France and Spain were two major centers of the wool trade. Besides, the family also rose to power through its social network with elite families by means of partnership, employment and the marriage of convenience. Some of the big families of that period included Salviati, Bardi, Cavalcanti and the Tornabuoni. The foundation of this family is thought to be done by Averardo de' Medici. His son Giovanni di Bicci created the Medici Bank and became the one of the richest men in Florence. Besides, he gained the good support for introduction of proportional taxing system. His son Cosimo the Elder, Pater Patriae, became the unofficial head of states of the Florentine Republic in 1434. Florence was ruled by three successive generations of Medici in a big part of 15th Century. They altogether abolished representative government, still they clearly dominated it.

Medici is supposed to be one of the contributors in the commencement of proper banking system. Today also, many of the facets of the renaissance age influence the modern age including the banking system. This is the reason why renaissance period is supposed to be the era, which showed the path to the modern times.

Era of Queen Elizabeth I: The Real Golden Age

Queen Elizabeth I was undoubtedly a great monarch in the history of England. Her popularity reached the extent that a complete era was named after her. She had a great vision to run a kingdom, plus she treated equally the people of every faith, unlike her catholic sister Mary I who would burn the protestants in stakes just because of difference in ideas. Elizabeth was a devout protestant, but many of her courtiers would keep the catholic faith.

On the other side, renaissance age was going on in the era of Queen Elizabeth when people started taking interest in art and culture. The new age paintings, sculptures and architectures, were in the limelight. Elizabeth was also a great fan of painting. Moreover, the people’s interest in the flamboyant clothing started enhancing. Queen would also wear these renaissance dresses. Her costumes would be beaded with jewels, which were the subject of allure for the people.

Besides, music and dance were also flourished during the era of this queen. Volta and galliard were two famous renaissance dances during that period. Volta dance gained more popularity, when Queen Elizabeth performed this dance with her friend Robert Dudley. This dance has been displayed in a famous film “Elizabeth” that was released in 1998. Another demonstration of the Volta dance can be seen in a 2007 film – “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”, between Sir Walter Raleigh and Bess (queen’s lady-in-wait). People wearing beautiful renaissance and medieval costumes have also been displayed perfectly in these films. Moreover, Shakespearean dramas also belonged to the era of Elizabeth, which have been played today also with great enthusiasm.

Apart from the development in art and culture, the Elizabethan era was the age of the scientific revolution, and a number of inventions and explorations were being made by several great men. This era paved the way for the modern age in a true sense. That is why, many of the scholars call this era – the early modern age.

The Elizabethan Era has set a perfect example for the later ages, and it has provided a lot of things to today’s scenario. The renaissance costumes of that era are part of the fashion trends in the recent times. Apart from the costumes, art, culture and music of that period are also the subject of inspiration today. The new-age artists take the ideas from these artistic genres and prepare the new styles. The confluence of the costumes of Elizabethan and modern era, really provides a distinct genre. www.tudordressing.com is the best example of tudor era and Queen Elizabeth's lifestyle costume and dresses.

Positive and Negative Sides of Tudor Dynasty

England was under the crown of House of Tudor around 500 years ago. Henry VII acquired the kingdom of England after winning the War of the Roses. This was the era of flourish of art and culture in Europe. The era, which we know as renaissance age, was going on in Europe, and people were taking more and more interest in the various genres of art. The flamboyant renaissance dresses also belonged to the same era. Besides, the science and technology were also growing during that period.

In this scenario, Tudor monarchs seem to be busy in their own affairs; however, their contribution in this development up to some extent cannot be denied. The first king Henry VII was a peaceful monarch, and he also tried to make peace with France in the year 1492. His son Henry VIII was thought to be of good nature in his early years, but later on his rapport went down. Moreover, he married six wives just for producing a male heir. Finally, he succeeded in this, and Edward was born. We find mixed traits in the nature of Henry. He took part in the protestant reformation actively and declared himself the head of Church of England. Moreover, he also played some role in development of architecture. But, declaring his daughters Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate presents the negative side of his nature. On the other hand, execution of his own wife Anne Boleyn by him despite the lack of evidences also can also not be considered as justified.

After the death of Henry, his only son Edward VI was enthroned in the small age of 9. His devotion towards Protestantism despite his small age seems strange. He tried to secure protestant faith in England. He also changed the will of his own father for this purpose, according to which his older sisters were in the line of succession after him. Edward declared his cousin Lady Jane Gray as his heir. His wish could not be fulfilled as she lost support and Mary disposed him by assembling the army within the short time span of nine days.

Mary proved to be a barbaric queen, as she started killing the innocent Protestants in order to establish the catholic faith again in England. Because of this act, she is known today as “bloody Mary”. Moreover, she married Philip II of Spain for producing the catholic heir, but could not be successful. In the early years, he kept his sister Elizabeth in Tower of London, but she had no other option than declaring her as her heir in the later stages.

Finally, Elizabeth I became the monarch, who was liberal in various aspects. The art and culture flourished a lot in her reign. She herself was an art lover and liked painting and fashion. The medieval shirts worn by her are the fashion statements in wedding parties and various other events, in today’s scenario also.

Renaissance Costumes - Renaissance Fairies and Events

Down the ages fashion has been evolving with the invention and development of various fabrics, colors and embellishments. The renaissance age is a glorious celebration of fashion statement, with extravagant and flamboyant styles emerging in this period. The royals and nobles led the brigade, vying with each other to show off their riches and status in the form of renaissance dresses that were made of costly fabrics and furs with rich brocade and lace trimmings further embellished with jewels and feathers. Stand a modern well dressed man next to a fully well dressed renaissance period courtier and he will look like a plain fowl next to a resplendent peacock. It is therefore not surprising that today renaissance fairies celebrate renaissance costume and renaissance dresses, giving people an opportunity to deck themselves in the finest period costumes and have a gala time recreating the gaiety of a time gone by. Hairstyles and head gear had just as much importance as the renaissance costume.
An invitation to attend a renaissance faire or an event with a medieval theme is an opportunity to display yourself at your flamboyant best. You could choose to dress like an Italian prince, a French Noble, an English courtier, a musketeer, a simple commoner or a dashing pirate in pirate clothing. Men and women can dress up and look extremely striking as well stylish in renaissance costumes. Women have a number of choices in renaissance dresses, ranging from a simple peasant dress to an elaborate princess gown with all the trappings and accessories to give a royal look.
Renaissance costumes you choose to attend a renaissance faire or event need not necessarily be made of the same expensive brocades, lace, furs and silks but there are modern versions that are just as striking in looks, color, appearance and feel to help you project the right image. Women will simply love to dress themselves in renaissance dresses with rich brocade, velvet bodice and matching embroidered skirt and sleeves with appropriate accessories or the other equally tempting and stylish options in renaissance dress designs. Among other designs women can opt for a gown and a skirt with a long train, cone shaped topped by a square neckline bodice edged with lace and jewels. Sleeves can be embellished in faux fur. Another choice is the late 1500s style with plenty of ruffs with plunging necklines, wasp waisted renaissance dresses.
When you choose a particular renaissance costume do not forget to accessorize it with the right articles. Arm garters give a unique look to your arms. Wands as well as scepters can add a magical or divine touch to the whole ensemble. Head gear is essential and choosing the right hat to complement your renaissance dress will set it off to a new level. Feathers can add a touch of gay insouciance.
Men can choose to be clad in richly royal renaissance dresses on the one hand or dress like a buccaneering pirate with the right pirate clothing including accessories for a flamboyant look.
There is a vast selection of renaissance costumes and pirate clothes available in stores as well as online and having a perfectly matched outfit sets you up for a perfectly enjoyable renaissance faire.

Various Ways to Wear Renaissance Clothing

Renaissance fair is the time when you get enough opportunity to express yourself. It’s time to strengthened the bonding among friends and families and enjoy medieval way of leaving. This festival provides you a chance to show your capability of enacting like the characters of medieval period. Started in early 1950’s, people in this festival get a chance to dress in renaissance costumes. They enjoy food, music and theatrical performance based on the life of legends of the bygone eras.
Many people attend these fests on regular basis but for some persons it is once in lifetime opportunity. If you are one of those lucky person who is about to attend such fair then apart from renaissance dresses there are other things provided below to consider.
First thing you need to do is - keep your sunglasses or eyeglasses at home while taking part. Obviously nobody in earlier period support sunglasses. They will look awkward and ruin the appearance of renaissance clothing. If it is important to use lens then use contact lenses.
After sunglasses, here comes the accessory second in list. They are the most vital part in shaping the whole appearance and give finishing touch to look. Accessory provides the room of improvement for medieval dress and its range varies from embellishing medieval clothing to headgears to armor and many others. No matter from where and what you purchase, accessories have tendency to personalize the ‘brought costumes’. To get an accurate look apart from medieval outfit, a little make up and require accessory will do a great job.
Third one is hair, during middle age whether men or women most importantly noble women had their unique sense of styling hair. No women in those periods used to cut hair. All had long similar looking hair unlike today’s women who have freedom in to choose the length and style. Mostly the hair of married women was confined in a bun in the back of head. So when you have a few days on your hand before the feast, try to find out the perfect hairstyle.
The last here is shoes. No outfit is complete without them. Either you have wrong pair of shoes or you don’t have and in both the cases you end up ruining your look. If you don’t have time or budget to buy an appropriate pair of shoes then go for black shoes or crystal shoes. For instance, to look like a pirate not only pirate costumes even pirate shoes, bandana, sash, hat and sword are equally required. For adding more effect an eye-patch and rope are considered.
Above mentioned points will help you in achieving the desired look you want. Now-a-days designers know how to make period clothing environment friendly, versatile and in budget of consumers. They use various materials to make alluring and exquisite dresses of velvet, cotton, brocade and satin fabrics. These clothing along with accessories will adorn you with glamorous and elegant look.
For a right renaissance costume do research. Take ideas from magazine, newspaper, books and internet. While medieval themed costumes available offline too but buying online is far better idea as it can provide the same quality of outfit at a reasonable cost.

Understand Renaissance Costumes and Renaissance Dresses

Renaissance clothing flourished in the middle of the medieval age. In theta period, people who were affluent and rich wore this kind of clothing. Costumes were woven from hands and were quite exquisite. The fabrics used for medieval costumes were expensive and luxurious. During that period clothing determined the social stature of the person. Renaissance costumes were worn by people who were financially sound. Since the fabric used in such kind of clothing was costly and classy therefore they were resold at a very high value. Materials used in the medieval clothing were silk, wool, cotton, brocade; velvet etc. fabrics were specially imported from other countries. The costumes were rich in designs and were highly polished. Costumes of medieval age had embellishments of sparking jewels, pearls, ribbons, gems that made them elaborate and stunning. Affluent people used to make sure that their clothing reflects their stature. Medieval clothing has rich and elegant embroidery of gold and silver which made them even more costly.

Women costumes in medieval period were simple as well as intricate. Simple clothing comprised of bodices, underskirts and robes while the intricate one were skirts, collars , over bodices etc. costumes were stitched in a way to give woman’ body an hourglass figure which enhanced their look. Royal or affluent ladies used to wear bright colors like reds, orange and purple etc while the wench in that period was seen in brown shades. Women used to accessorize their dresses with broach and lace. To make the renaissance look complete, hat was an essential item to wear. Hats were made of the same expensive material like that of their costumes. Shoes were made of leather and had wooden soles.

In men clothing, the costumes were designed in a way to give them curved and barrel appearance in order to enhance their shape of body. Fabrics used in men clothes were similar to that of women. Shirts were loose fitted and had beautiful patterns with cushioned shoulders. The trousers that were known as breeches at that time were till the knee. Shoes were similar to that of women and hats were strikingly beautiful with stunning and fancy embroidery.

Pirate clothes are a rage these days since they are designed in a unique and distinct style. Pirate clothes are preferred by people of all age groups. If you desire to wear costumes of pirates then select accessories of renaissance period as well. Pirate clothing comprises of knitted cap, breeches or trousers known as breeches, shirts, boots, and swords. Pirate eye patch is on the top of the desired items of pirate dressing.

Popularity of renaissance costume and renaissance dresses has not faded even today. People find opportunities to wear such kind of Halloween or medieval clothing when renaissance festivals or fairs are arranged.

Elegance Looks in Renaissance Costumes

Renaissance costume had some really interesting designs for both men and women; the designs were more of lavish as well as sophisticated. Furs and silks were mainly used as it depicted luxury and status. It was kind of showing of one’s social status through means of clothing. It is generally believed that fashion came into existence with the era and nothing like style or trend was seen before this. Initially these renaissance clothes restricted the movement but later it changed eventually. Layers were generally preferred and women costumes included skirt, vest, bodice, collar and an underskirt. Men’s wear consisted of coats and clothes that gave a square look to man’s body. Lots of padding was done to make the shoulder broader. They also wore long tunics which went down to the knees. Men’s fashion focused on material that had a bold look, long sleeves were preferred, tight body garments, brimmed caps and leather jackets.

Pirate Clothing also gets its emergence during that phase and people still follow it. It is one section of clothing that fits well for both the genders and it is gaining popularity in social events and Halloween parties. These costumes are getting a huge come back and you can even get them at local stores at a very low price or even on sale. When thinking of buying pirate clothes, pirate shirt is a must and you need to accessorize it with chains, rugged piece of cloth and eye patches. On for your special occasion if you really want to impress people by your pirate look the look is incomplete without a trendy pirate hat. Renaissance clothes are generally loose-fitted clothes, and there is a lot of variation in it. With growing fashion you can add the latest accessories to enhance the pirate or the renaissance look. Color variation varied for whites to blacks and dark brown. If today you want to try the same look, choose a pant that is two sizes bigger.

With the influence of today’s you can complete a pirate look or your Renaissance Clothing with a smartly tied bandana on the head, silver loop earring and a sword. Today you can buy all these clothing and suitable accessories online and have a changed look on your special occasion. Kids very much prefer this look for their school functions and birthdays party moreover this is a hot favorite theme for adults. Some fun loving couples experiment with the pirate look or renaissance costume on their weddings as well.

Wearing Renaissance Clothing and Pirate Clothing has always been a matter of prestige during that era and it continues even today. You feel like kings and queens and women specially flaunt their figure on the occasion they wear those fitted gown that enhances their beauty.