Final answer:
Petrarch is recognized as the founder of Renaissance humanism, a movement that valued human achievements and the revival of classical antiquity's cultural and moral philosophy. This movement greatly influenced culture, education, and art such as Donatello's sculpture, with a widespread impact throughout Italy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The man considered the founder of Renaissance humanism is Francesco Petrarca, known as Petrarch. Humanism was an intellectual movement that began in Italy during the 14th century and it emphasized the study of human achievements and classical antiquity over the divine-focused medieval scholasticism.
Petrarch's work laid the groundwork for this shift in thought, and through his devotion to Greek and Roman texts, he aimed to revive the cultural legacy and moral philosophy of classical times.
Renaissance humanism had a profound influence on art, literature, and culture during the period. Not only did it reintroduce classical themes, but it also fostered the creation of a well-rounded citizenry skilled in speaking and writing.
Donatello, an early Renaissance artist, exemplified this movement through his sculpture, combining classical forms with Christian theology. The movement spread across Italy with centers in cities like Florence, Naples, and Venice, impacting society at large, including the upper classes and the church.
Humanist Educational Impact
In Italy, the Humanist educational program was rapidly accepted, and many in the upper classes had Humanist educations. This program was characterized by the study of the humanities: grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.
The ultimate goal of humanism during the Renaissance was not just self-improvement, but also societal improvement, aligning with the teachings of the Catholic Church without conflict.