What is a common feature of Renaissance art?

The focus on human anatomy and realism is a hallmark of Renaissance art, reflecting a significant shift in artistic techniques and themes during this period. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo meticulously studied the human body to capture its proportions, movement, and emotional expression accurately. This emphasis on anatomical correctness allowed them to create more lifelike figures, which was a departure from the more stylized and symbolic representations of the preceding medieval period.

In addition to human anatomy, Renaissance artists employed techniques such as linear perspective and chiaroscuro to enhance the realism of their works, further solidifying the era's commitment to naturalism and the depiction of human experience. This focus on realism not only celebrated humanism—a philosophy that emphasized the value and agency of individuals—but also reflected the growing interest in the natural world and the human condition during the Renaissance.