The Renaissance is the European period immediately following the Middle Ages. It witnessed the discovery and exploration of new continents, the birth of new ideas, and the innovation of powerful tools, such as paper, the compass, and gunpowder. It is a time when classical learning and wisdom were revived after a period of cultural decline. (Britannica). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayThe Renaissance is often separated into two places: the Northern Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance. The Northern Renaissance generally refers to European countries located north of Italy. (Esaak) The Italian Renaissance began in Florence, the capital of Italy at the time. (History.com) The Northern Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance were the pinnacle of art and beauty on the European continent. The Northern Renaissance began when King Francis I imported Italian art, using Italian artists including Leonardo da Vinci). This sparked the rise of humanism in Northern Europe. Northern Renaissance art retained the Gothic style of art and architecture. Northern artists were scattered and fewer in number than their Italian counterparts. The Dukes of Burgundy (a territory extending from the center of present-day France north to the sea, including Belgium and part of the Netherlands) were great patrons of the arts. The works of art they sponsored were illuminated manuscripts, furniture and tapestries. At this time, Northern Europe was facing more rebellions against Church authority, making art appear much more secular. (Esaak) Italian Renaissance art was inspired by humanism, a view focused on the importance of human rather than divine or supernatural issues. Artists, philosophers and writers have studied classical and explored humanity. (Esaak) Art was everywhere, and patrons such as the Medici family of Florence sponsored projects large and small, and successful artists became celebrities. (History.com) The Italian Renaissance is best known for its cultural achievements. Most of these achievements were in literature, including humanist authors such as Petrarch (the sonnets of La Canzonière) and Boccaccio (the tales of the Decameron), Renaissance epic authors such as Castiglione (The Book of the Courtier) and Torquato Tasso (Jerusalem delivered). ), and prose authors like Machiavelli (The Prince). (Esaak)The main difference between Italian art and Northern art lies in the style. Italian art was more symmetrical and balanced, with line perspective, while Northern art paid more attention to detail and a more natural appearance. Italian art focused more on classical mythology and religious scenes, while Northern art focused more on portraits and domestic interiors, as well as religious scenes. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get Because the Northern Renaissance came some time later than the Italian Renaissance, much of the art is of ordinary people performing normal everyday tasks, while the Italian Renaissance focused more on the aristocracy. The art was more detailed and elaborate, showing how wealthy the people were. For all their differences, the Northern Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance were the pinnacle of art and beauty on the European continent..