Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The Renaissance was a period in European history (14th to 17th century) marked by a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. It brought significant advancements in art, architecture, literature, science, philosophy, and exploration.
Humanism: Humanism was an intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized human potential for achievement through education and rational thinking.
Perspective: Perspective refers to creating an illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface by using techniques such as vanishing points and foreshortening. It was a significant development in Renaissance art.
Chiaroscuro: Chiaroscuro is an Italian term meaning "light-dark." It refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark areas in a painting to create a sense of volume, depth, and dramatic effect.