The early renaissance seemed to start the humanism period of the renaissance. Humanism, by definition, was an activity of cultural and educational reform. The idea was to enhance the civic community. Italian writers of the time emphasized a human beings potential for individual accomplishment. The Italian humanists saw an era of rebirth, or renaissance, when humanity began to emerge from a stagnet state. They focused on the classical past for inspiration. This idea led them to focus on Ancient Rome. Artists mirrored the humanists and their focus turned to ancient Roman sculpture and architecture for inspiration. Thus, the art of the time took on a look of perfection and idealism of the human form.

Other influences of this time was the use of fresco, which was paint on top of plaster. Fresco allowed the artist to have a wider variety of pigments, allowing for greater detail and more human looking paintings.

Linear perspective became popular. Linear perspective is space aligned with an implied point that converges on a single point on the horizon. This concept draws the viewer into the picture. By using this concept, artists were able to give their art a dimensional feel that seemed true to the real world.

Donatello produced the first life size male nude of his time, a bronze statue of "David" in 1446-1460. The torso and the muscular definition of the arms and chest gives the viewer the sense of an ideal form, or perfect form. There is a slight tilt to the hip to give the statue a more human stance. Instead of the statue looking like it is posing, it looks more like a position you would see several people assume just walking down the street if they paused to look at something. The detail in the expression is another example of an idealistic or perfect form. There are no pimples or lines or anything to distract the viewer from the look of smooth, perfect skin.

Leading into the High Renaissance period, the human form or anatomy is refined even farther. An example of this is Michelangelo's statue of "David". According to the book, Michelangelo was commissioned for a statue of David, the biblical hero. It was finished in1504. The "David" was done so well that the city council put it in the main city square. It represented a reminder of Florence's public status. The statue depicts the perfect male figure. The detail in the muscles is incredible. Its as though the protruding tendons in the neck are real. David has a furrowed expression on his brow that gives him a look of facing danger. Since this statue represents a male probably in his twenties, his expression reflects a a young mans expression of danger ahead and concern. My attention is brought to the hands of David. They have tendons leading to the fingers and the detail on the left thumb looks like a real fingernail. The statue of David is a great example of humanism being reflected in the 16th century. David is an example of what Michelangelo's artisitic genius pictured as an ideal male.

Fresco was also still being used at this time. Oil paint also became a popular medium. With the combination of more colors available to the artist and linear perspective being mastered over this time, its no wonder the art of the renaissance period is so beautiful.