What is a significant characteristic of Renaissance art?

The significant characteristic of Renaissance art lies in the integration of religious and classical themes. During the Renaissance, which spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, artists drew inspiration from both Christian beliefs and the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. This blending is evident in many works where biblical subjects are rendered with the humanistic qualities praised by the classical tradition, showcasing a renewed interest in the human experience, nature, and the beauty of the natural world.

Artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael created works that explored both religious narratives and classical mythology, portraying figures with an emphasis on anatomical correctness, perspective, and emotion. This approach highlighted the Renaissance's overarching theme of rediscovering and valuing the knowledge and aesthetics of earlier civilizations, thus forming a bridge between medieval and modern thought in art.