What main subject did Renaissance artists and writers focus on compared to their predecessors?

During the Renaissance, artists and writers shifted their focus significantly toward the human experience and realism. This marked a departure from the medieval emphasis predominantly on religious themes. The Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, which celebrated individualism, human potential, and the study of the natural world.

Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo exemplified this focus on the human form and emotion in their works, portraying subjects with a depth of expression and realism that captured the complexities of human nature. Painters began to use techniques such as perspective to create the illusion of depth, thereby enhancing realism in their artworks.

Writers, too, like Petrarch and Shakespeare, explored themes related to human experience, individualism, and the intricacies of personal relationships. This exploration of the human condition allowed both artistic mediums to connect more deeply with audiences, emphasizing everyday life, personal experiences, and the beauty of the natural world, rather than solely religious narratives or historical events.

This transformation in focus not only represented a cultural shift but also laid the groundwork for future developments in Western art and literature, highlighting the significance of human experience as a central theme during the Renaissance.