The Italian Renaissance, which took place between the 14th and 17th centuries, was a period of cultural awakening and artistic innovation that had a lasting impact on Western art. This period, characterised by a revival of interest in classical antiquity, produced some of the most important works in the history of art and laid the foundations for modern Western art.
Characteristics of the Italian Renaissance:
The Renaissance marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modern times. In art, this was expressed through a new emphasis on perspective, realism and the human anatomy. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael strove for a deeper understanding of the world around them and used scientific methods to make their art more realistic.
Influence of the Renaissance on later art:
The Italian Renaissance influenced not only the art of its time, but also subsequent generations of artists across Europe. It led to a re-evaluation of the role of the artist in society and encouraged a creative and experimental approach to art.