The Art of Commemoration in the Renaissance

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In the early 1980s, Irving Lavin explored the profound shifts in human self-awareness during the Italian Renaissance, linking these changes to a revival of ancient art. He posits that individuals began to recognize their own past, leading to a new consciousness that allowed for personal choice and transformation. This "new man" of the Renaissance embraced classical influences, which not only altered human behavior but also gave rise to a distinctive artistic style that defined the era. Lavin's lectures articulate the deep connection between self-perception and cultural evolution.