Renaissance art refers to art produced during the period of European history, emerging as a distinct style in Italy in about 1400, that spread throughout Europe and marked the beginning of the Early Modern era.
In many respects, the Renaissance was simply the further development of artistic traditions that had already existed during the Middle Ages, but it also represented a fundamental break with medieval values.
Renaissance artists rejected traditional Byzantine and Gothic conventions of representing religious subjects, instead opting for more naturalistic depictions.
Renaissance artists also focused on secular subjects such as classical mythology, portraiture, landscapes, and genre scenes.
It also saw the development of new techniques and styles, the rise of professional artists, and the growth of art as a business. Critical to making art a business was the development of art markets in Italy and Northern Europe.
Artists were able to sell their work more easily and reach a larger audience than ever before, while those who could afford it were increasingly buying art as an investment. This increased demand led to a boom in the production of art, with artists working in new media and experimenting with new styles.
The Renaissance was a period of great creativity, and the art that was produced during this time reflects the spirit of the age.
