The father of Renaissance art is often considered to be Giotto di Bondone. Giotto was an Italian painter and architect from Florence in the late Middle Ages. He is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the Renaissance art movement, which marked a significant departure from the stylized forms of medieval art.
Giotto’s work is characterized by a greater emphasis on naturalism and human emotion. His frescoes, such as those in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, showcase his ability to depict three-dimensional space and realistic human figures. This approach laid the groundwork for the Renaissance artists who followed, making Giotto a pivotal figure in the transition from medieval to Renaissance art.
Another key figure often associated with the title is Leonardo da Vinci, whose works like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper epitomize the ideals of the Renaissance. However, Giotto’s earlier innovations in naturalism and perspective earn him the title of the father of Renaissance art.