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Renaissance Art

The most prominent feature of the Renaissance is arguably the art. In many ways, it was primarily an artistic movement. Sculpture, architecture, and painting became even more creative and incredible. In contrast to the spiritual ideas of the past art, Renaissance art took a more realistic approach. Artists were considered geniuses, and works of art were used to by the affluent citizens to show their wealth.
The “High Renaissance” took place from 1500 to 1527. Its main characteristics were classical balance, harmony, and restraint. Religious themes were the main subject of most High Renaissance art. They served an educational purpose by teaching its audience through all types of media, including sculptures and paintings. Statues were intended to spread a doctrine, or act as a profession of Christian faith. In a best case scenario, they might even encourage a sinner to be born again. The most common religious topics were the Nativity and the Annunciation of the Virgin. Andrea Mantegna painted the scene of the Three Kings coming to acknowledge the divinity of Christ. The kings represented the entire world as they knew it, as well as the three stages of life. Another well-known example is The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, which depicts Christ and his disciples eating their last feast together. It used perspective, the linear representation of distance and space on a flat surface. Renaissance portraits tended to mirror reality, rather than spiritual concepts. Donatello was a famous sculptor who used self-awareness and balance in the classical figure. Narrative artists illustrated the body in a more scientific manner; the female body was portrayed as voluptuous, while the male body was strong and valiant.   Realism became the new international style, with artists from all over using it in their work. Rich color, details, and rhythms characterized this new style, along with the use of light and dark. Art became more popular, and the trade experienced a boost....