Final answer:
The father of Renaissance art and realism was Giotto, an Early Renaissance artist known for his realistic depictions of the human form and space.
Step-by-step explanation:
The father of Renaissance art and realism was Giotto, an Early Renaissance artist who rejected the Byzantine style of religious painting and strove to create realism in his depictions of the human form and space. Giotto's work paved the way for other Renaissance artists to explore concepts of perspective and naturalism. While other artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo also made significant contributions to Renaissance art, Giotto is often considered the father of the movement.