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The arts and sciences flourished between 1400-1600 when strong nation states and increased learning began to spread throughout Europe. Learn how people during this influential period in history shaped their world through the arts. Explore the architecture, painting, sculpture, and decorative arts of the Renaissance with this essential set.

• JPEG images in Projection, Screen, and Thumbnail sizes
• Historical and artistic information about each art form and artwork
• Cultural context to support art history and art appreciation programs

Architectural styles developed dramatically during the Renaissance, particularly in Italy. Italian architects studied ancient Roman buildings and the sophisticated techniques used to construct them. The results of this study spread interest in the ancient classical style throughout Europe.

Italy
The use of a perspective system to create the illusion of three-dimensional depth on a two-dimensional surface took painting in a very different direction from the flat, mystical religious works of the Gothic and Romanesque periods that had preceded the Renaissance.

Northern Europe
Northern Renaissance painting contrasts to Italian painting in the following ways: 1) more naturalism and attention to specific detail as compared to the Italian preference for idealization of figures and nature; 2) more pathos and mysticism in religious works; 3) an observed rather than geometry-based perspective; 4) fewer depictions of the nude and observed anatomy (because of limited access to influential ancient sculpture); and 5) more interest in landscapes.

Since the late thirteenth century, Italian sculptors had emulated antique statuary. (Freestanding sculpture had been almost unknown during the medieval period in Europe. During that time sculpture had served largely as architectural decoration.) In addition, the number of cast metal sculptures also increased during the Renaissance as ancient techniques were rediscovered.

Various areas of Europe became well known for different kinds of decorative arts. Italy and France were major centers of fine ceramics. Italy also specialized in producing fine silk products, especially liturgical garments. The Duchy of Burgundy became a major exporter of finely woven rugs and tapestries. Germany was a major woodworking center.