Before the renaissance, religion was thought to be the sole purpose of life. As such, religious art would be the most common and accepted of it’s type. The dominance of the church and it’s influences played a crucial in this fact. People feared that they would be banished from the church and treated as an outcast. The greater danger of being executed for straying from the churches beliefs presented a immediate risk. Artists who focused mainly of religious work avoided being scrutinised by the population. In other words, it was the safest path.

Following the renaissance, people grew more daring. The proceeded to create artwork with a more true feel to them. This form of art would go on to be called realism. They strayed from the previous gold backgrounds used in religious paintings which caused an ethereal effect and added scenic backgrounds. An equally great change was that of the use of depth and perspective.

The renaissance arguable affected the subject of art greatest.