Final answer:
Renaissance artists were primarily inspired by classical art and sought to emulate and revive the art of antiquity, distinguishing themselves from the medieval period's styles and themes, in line with humanist ideals and intellectualism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classical vs. Medieval Art Influences during the Renaissance
Renaissance artists were primarily inspired by classical art rather than medieval art. This era in art history represents a cultural shift as artists actively sought to emulate and revive the art and architecture of antiquity. The Renaissance began in the 14th century in Italy and spanned until the 16th century, deeply influencing European art for centuries. During the Renaissance, artists like Michelangelo and Raphael emerged, who were now seen as trained intellectuals, a stark contrast to the anonymous craftspeople of the medieval period.
The humanist ideals prevalent during the Renaissance placed great value on the depiction of perspective and the treatment of light, elements which were of less focus during medieval times. Italian Renaissance art was particularly remarkable for its revival of Greco-Roman themes, which was facilitated by an abundance of surviving classical artworks and monuments in Italy. This revival can be seen in countless examples of Renaissance sculpture, painting, and architecture. In northern Europe, as feudalism declined, the Northern Renaissance artists also looked to Rome for inspiration, adding their own regional touches such as landscape and genre painting to the classical themes.
Renaissance art reflects a society that wished to associate itself with the values and aesthetics of the classical world, marking a distinct departure from the styles and themes of the preceding medieval period. The works of Renaissance artists provide insights not only into religious narratives but also into the society's perceptions of humanity, often featuring anthropocentric subjects and backgrounds that reveal a worldly curiosity. This focus mirrored the societal shift towards humanism and intellectualism, further distancing Renaissance art from its medieval roots.