Final answer:
Early medieval artists did not adopt the Renaissance view of artists as trained intellectuals, instead drawing heavily from various traditions and guilds. The Gothic art of cathedrals and Early Renaissance artists' move towards realism marked the evolution of style.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early medieval artists borrowed heavily from a range of artistic traditions and cultural influences, except the concept of artist as a trained intellectual, which was a Renaissance phenomenon. Art guilds, formation of new artistic styles and techniques, and religious influences played a significant role in shaping the art of this period. Gothic art, for instance, was prominently featured in cathedrals and abbeys, showcasing sculptures that depicted biblical stories and religious themes. By contrast, during the Early Renaissance, artists such as Cimabue and Giotto began to reject the Byzantine style in pursuit of greater realism in the depiction of the human form and space. They employed techniques such as one point perspective to achieve this aim. Classical influences were mediated through Byzantine art and earlier medieval styles, such as Ottonian art, which had also absorbed elements of classical tradition.