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Joseph Stalin Joseph Stalin was associated with Russia, and was a prominent, powerful figure at that time. He rose to power by joining the[| Social Democratic Labor Party], while many of the leaders of this group were exiled from Russia. He was focused on becoming someone of power in this party. Much of his determination and cruelty came from his need for respect due to his childhood trauma of smallpox and a slightly deformed arm. While the rulers of the Social Democratic Labor Party were away from Russia, Stalin took the chance to lead and organize the movements against Czarism. Over the next few years, he rose to power and was arrested many times. However, he always escaped and returned to Russian society. Lenin and Stalin eventually came close friends, both supporters of socialism and [|Marxism] views. When Lenin died, Stalin completely took over the Russian public and brought about a reign of terror to ensure his control. He murdered many of the Bolsheviks, such as Leon Trotsky, and began his own group. However, then, Adolf Hitler took over the majority of Russians, thus gaining control of society and wiping out much of Stalin's authority and forces. Although Stalin was a bloody man, many Russians honored him, because he is credited for industrializing Russia and bringing modern ways into the once backwards country.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Prince Henry the Navigator was not an explorer, himself, but he sponsored many expeditions and schools for explorers. In 1418, he began the first school for oceanic navigators, where people were trained for map-making, science, and general navigation skills. He was one of the most famous patrons of explorations. Prince Henry was from Portugal, and believed in expeditions to the Indies and Africa, so England could control the spice trade. During the 1400's, he intensified the exploration of the west coast of Africa, convincing many men to try sailing around Cape Bojador. No one had ever sailed around Cape Bojador and returned alive. But, he [|sponsored fourteen expeditions] over twelve years around the west coast of Africa. This gave Portugal the lead to the race for new lands and spice trade.

Rogier van der Weyden - Portrait of a Lady



Rogier van der Weyden's [|Portrait of a Lady] was painted in the 1460s. It has many characteristics that define it as a work of the Renaissance. It displays [|realism], perspective, [|chiaroscuro] , sfumato, classism, an emphasis on individualism, and humanism. The realism and perspective of this art show how the painting had accurate details and close observation, along with with a three dimensional view. There is a special depth and dimension. It is a very realistic portrait, with different shadowing on the woman's cheekbones, and the folds in her veil, created by artistic effects like chiaroscuro and sfumato. The contrast between the darkness of the background, and the lightness of the woman's pale figure enhance the portrait. The dark, fur bands that she is wearing do not distract the looker, but her almost white headdress draws attention to her face. These significant parts of the portrait show that it was painted during the Renaissance, an age of new knowledge and new art. There is a certain dignified emotion in the woman's downcast eyes, folded hands, and firm lips tightly pressed together. She seems to be in heavy concentration, and the painting displays her focused emotions with classism. Her wealth may be revealed in the small details in the painting,such as her gold buckle, the rings on her fingers, and her finely plucked eyebrows. Normal people without extravagant wealth were also often painted in the Renaissance, despite their little importance and lower social status. All these different features made up the characteristics of Renaissance art.

Humanism was different than the blind faith during the [|Middle Ages] ; in addition to religion, it used reason and logic to explain natural phenomenon and answer new questions. The portrait itself represents humanism. There is little religious importance in the painting, but instead, Rogier van der Weyden focused solely on this woman and her emotions. Middle Ages art was mostly about religion, with paintings of Jesus, God, etc. However, during the Renaissance, more [|artists] painted about different topics, including average people and the emotions of everyday life. Rogier van der Weyden's Portrait of a Lady was hugely affected by humanism in the Renaissance.