Art began to reveal the changing patterns of consumption among society's wealthy elite. In rural areas of the Middle Ages, society was ready for war and the wealthy purchased military equipment. However, nobles employed mercenaries rather than knights, inducing richer people to purchase works of art such as sculptures, paintings, gold plates, embroidered tablecloths, etc. to decorate their homes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Individual portraits emerged in the Renaissance period, which was a distinct artistic genre movement. Rather than representing spiritual ideas, as in medieval paintings and sculptures, the Renaissance displayed human ideals, often depicted as more realistic than the stark paintings of the Middle Ages. This new artistic style was more favored by both patrons and artists. Giotto - was a Florentine painter (1276-1337) who pioneered the use of realism. His treatment of the body replaced the medieval rigidity and artificiality of the human body depicted during the Middle Ages. Donatello – (1386-1466) was a Renaissance sculptor from Florence, Italy, who revived the classical figure, with its poise and self-awareness. Michelangelo - was a Florentine painter who spent his young adulthood at the court of Lorenzo de' Medici and complained both in person and in letter about the interference of the popes. In 1508, Pope Julius II ordered Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel (finished in 1512). Michelangelo traveled to Rome from Florence around 1500 and began a series of statues, paintings and architectural designs, which earned him an international reputation. Masaccio - Masaccio was a Florentine artist considered the first great painter of the Renaissance period. Leonardo da Vinci - was labeled a genius during the Renaissance. He was born in Vinci, near Florence. In 1472 Leonardo was indicated as master of the fluorescent "company of artists". Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa (his most famous work). He was the first man considered a "renaissance man" (multi-talented person). Leonardo tried to understand the hudbt more, so he observed corpses and experimented with perspective. Filippo Brunelleschi - (1377-1446) was an architect who looked to the classical past for inspiration when he designed a hospital for orphans and foundlings where all windows, height, floor plan and passages covered with a series of round arches were all proportioned to create a sense of balance and harmony. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Personalize EssayJan van Eyck - (1366-1441) was a Flemish painter considered the artistic equivalent of Italian painters and actually admired in Italy. Van Eyck was one of the first artists to successfully use oil paints, as his religious paintings and portraits show a great deal of realism and attention to human personality.