What is one characteristic of Renaissance art?

One characteristic of Renaissance art is its emphasis on realism and human emotion. This period, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marked a significant departure from the stylized forms and flat perspective of medieval art. Artists of the Renaissance sought to represent the human experience more accurately, capturing the nuances of human expression, anatomy, and the natural world.

Techniques such as linear perspective, which creates an illusion of depth, and chiaroscuro, which uses light and shadow to enhance three-dimensionality, were developed during this time. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo exemplified this focus on realism in their works, infusing their subjects with life and relatable emotional experiences. This focus on humanity reflected broader cultural shifts towards individualism and a renewed appreciation for classical antiquity, which prioritized human experience and observation over purely religious themes.