Early Renaissance Art History Essay by BrainC

This paper explains that there are three highly significant ways in which Renaissance art can be considered a turning point for the visual arts. It shows how, first, a series of technical advances took place from the late 13th century to the early 15th century, notably a new feeling for the solidity of bodies, for the dramatic possibilities of design and composition, and the development of scientific perspective. Second, the writer explains that there is a rising interest in the classical civilizations, most importantly ancient Rome, leading to a concern to imitate classical architecture, sculpture, and as far as possible, painting. Finally, paralleling the development of new humanism in learning and scholarship, the writer points out that a change in the content of works of art can be discerned, as ideas from philosophy and literature influence both the choice of subject and the way in which it is handled.