Final answer:
Renaissance artwork emphasized the 'human figure', compared to the art of the Middle Ages which focused on the 'collective'. It marked a shift to more realistic and individualistic representations, influenced by the revival of classical Roman and Greek ideas and employed techniques like linear perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
Renaissance artwork emphasized the human figure more than the art of the Middle Ages, which had focused very much on the collective. This focus was part of a broader cultural rebirth, which stressed the importance of individualism and self-awareness, often reviving ancient Roman and Greek ideas. Artists of the Renaissance era sought to create works that depicted human forms with a sense of realism and three-dimensional space, using techniques like linear perspective to achieve this effect.
Key differences in artwork from this period compared to earlier styles include a shift from the static and flat representation of holy figures to more realistic and human presentations. Works also frequently centered around classical themes of symmetry and balance, contrasting significantly with later periods such as Mannerism and Baroque, where asymmetry and emotional expression became more prevalent.
During the 18th century, these artistic styles evolved further, with movements like Rococo and Neoclassicism focusing on specific emotions or detailed storytelling through visual art. Furniture and sculptures also reflected the artistic values of their times, with varying levels of ornamentation and detail speaking to cultural and social norms.