Why This Painting Style Was Scandalous [Video]

During the Renaissance, the adoption of linear perspective in painting did spark some controversy among religious groups. Renaissance painting emphasized realism, proportion, and the use of linear perspective to create depth and a sense of three-dimensionality on a flat surface, often focusing on humanist and classical themes. In contrast, Medieval painting was more stylized and symbolic, with less concern for natural proportions or realistic perspectives,

In a chapter of “The Grid Book”, Professor Hannah B. Higgins writes about how this shift was indicative of a change in popular culture. The logic of a linear perspective indicated a viewing self that was capable of understanding and controlling the world rationally, making them feel somewhat less susceptible to the whims of an almighty God than their Medieval forbears.

Paintings in this video include:
The School of Athens – Raphael
The Holy Trinity – Masaccio
Girl Before a Mirror – Picasso