Final answer:
Italian Gothic art was influenced by Greco-Roman art through the incorporation of classical architectural elements, a shift towards more naturalistic figures, and an increase in decorative details, although the influence was indirect, filtered chiefly through Byzantine intermediaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Greco-Roman art had a significant influence on Italian Gothic art in several ways. The first was the incorporation of classical architectural elements into Gothic art, combining the functional with the ornate.
Classical influence often came through intermediaries like Byzantine art, which blended early Christian and classical motifs in textiles and paintings. Secondly, there was a shift towards more naturalistic and lifelike figures, seen in the later period of Gothic art, reflecting a renewed interest in humanism and the detailed study of human anatomy that was evident in ancient Greek and Roman works.
Thirdly, although Gothic art is often noted for its emphasis on spiritual and religious aspects, this influence stemmed more from the medieval context than from classical antiquity. Lastly, the focus on decorative and ornamental details in Gothic art, such as in illuminated manuscripts and frescos, saw a moderate introduction of classical motifs, adding to the richness and complexity of the visual language.