How would you describe this Byzantine fresco, shown on top? Do the people look real? That wasn’t important in the Middle Ages. The religious themes were all that mattered.
It also didn’t matter who the painter was. Artists of the Middle Ages copied the painting styles of other artists; they didn’t work out their own unique styles. In the Middle Ages, no one asked, “Who painted this?”
What about the painting below? The Creation of Adam shows figures that look very real. Michelangelo’s style of painting made him famous. He was also famous for his sculpture and architecture. Individual artists' names became important during the Renaissance. Many of the most famous artists in history were active at this time, including Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli.
Here’s a look at more art of the Renaissance.
