Final answer:
Renaissance scholars were focused on learning from Greek and Roman cultures, evident in the revival of classical literature, the development of more realistic painting techniques, and widespread educational reforms. Influential figures like Petrarch played a crucial role in promoting the study of classical resources, which deeply influenced the humanistic and artistic innovations of the period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Renaissance scholars were primarily interested in learning about Greek and Roman cultures. This period of intellectual and artistic renewal, known as the Renaissance, which translates to 'rebirth' in French, looked to the cultural achievements of ancient Greece and Rome as a source of wisdom and a model for contemporary life. Influences from these cultures are evident in various aspects of Renaissance innovation, from literature to painting, and from architecture to the broader cultural and educational reforms.
Key figures such as Petrarch were at the forefront of the movement, advocating for a return to 'pure' Classical Latin and encouraging imitation of Roman orators like Cicero and poets like Virgil. The influx of Byzantine scholars to Europe brought with them vital knowledge that had been preserved in the eastern half of the Roman Empire—complete works of Plato and copies of Aristotle's works in the original Greek, for example, were among the texts they brought. This significantly influenced the Italian Renaissance, particularly contributing to the development of humanism, linear perspective in art, and a resurgence of learning based on classical sources.
Renaissance artists and scholars also made strides in other fields, such as anatomy through dissection, mathematics for accurate depiction of space, and geographic exploration that challenged existing worldviews. All these pursuits were underpinned by a reevaluation of ancient knowledge and its application to contemporary scholarship and artistic practices.