The Renaissance is the time period in Europe immediately following the Middle Ages. He witnessed the discovery and exploration of new continents, the founding of new ideas, and the innovation of powerful tools, such as paper, the compass, and gunpowder. It is a period in which classical learning and wisdom were revived after a period of cultural decline. (British). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Renaissance is often divided into two places: Northern Renaissance and Italian Renaissance. The Northern Renaissance typically refers to the European countries north of Italy. (Esaak) The Italian Renaissance began in Florence, the capital of Italy at the time. (History.com) Both the Northern and Italian Renaissance were the pinnacle of art and beauty on the European continent. The Northern Renaissance began when King Francis I imported Italian art, commissioning Italian artists, including Leonardo da Vinci). This triggered the rise of humanism in northern Europe. Northern Renaissance art maintained the Gothic style of art and architecture. Northern artists were scattered and fewer in number than their Italian colleagues. The dukes of Burgundy (a territory from what is now central France north to the sea, including Belgium and parts of the Netherlands) were great patrons of the arts. The art they sponsored were illuminated manuscripts, furniture and tapestries. During this period, more rebellions against the Church's authority occurred in Northern Europe, giving the art a much more secular feel. (Esaak) Italian Renaissance art was inspired by humanism, the view that focused on the importance of human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Artists, philosophers, and writers studied classical humanity and explored. (Esaak) Art was found everywhere, and patrons like the Medici family of Florence sponsored projects large and small, and successful artists became celebrities. (History.com) The Italian Renaissance is best known for cultural achievements. Most of these achievements were in literature, including humanist authors such as Petrarca (the sonnets of the Canzoniere) 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 such as Machiavelli (The Prince). (Esaak)The main difference between Italian and Northern art is style. Italian art was more symmetrical and balanced, with a line perspective, while Nordic art had more attention to detail and a more natural look. 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. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom EssaySince the Northern Renaissance came some time after the Italian Renaissance, much of the art is about ordinary people doing normal everyday activities, 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, both the Northern and Italian Renaissances were the pinnacle of art and beauty on the European continent.