Final answer:
Renaissance art emphasized naturalism and realism, bringing artists like Mantegna and Uccello to use one point perspective and oil paints for greater depth and texture. The period also saw artists gain recognition as intellectuals, with new techniques like linear perspective and chiaroscuro enhancing the beauty and harmony in their works. Mannerism later evolved, showing more expressive styles as a response to the Renaissance perfection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transition from Medieval to Renaissance Art
Unlike painting from the medieval period, Renaissance artists rejected the Byzantine style of religious painting, embraced naturalism, and strove for realism in their works. This shift began in the Early Renaissance with figures like Cimabue and Giotto, and reached new heights with artists such as Andrea Mantegna and Paolo Uccello who mastered one point perspective. Furthermore, the use of oil paint became prominent as it offered a depth of color and ability to imitate textures, revolutionizing the illusion of reality in painting.
Medieval artists were often seen as anonymous craftsmen, while Renaissance artists became recognized as trained intellectuals. The Renaissance emphasis on harmony and beauty led to the development of techniques such as linear perspective, chiaroscuro, and the mixing of a wide range of colors. However, as these techniques matured, Mannerism emerged, where artists began to experiment with more expressive and less traditional forms.
Moreover, the socio-economic landscape changed; wealthy merchants became prominent patrons, leading to a decreased reliance on church commissions. This facilitated a move away from frescos, which were tied to architecture, to oil paintings on canvas that could be bought and traded. Thus, the artworks of the Renaissance reflected a vibrant culture of realism, with significant advancements in the portrayal of human forms and nature.