What was a significant characteristic of sculptures during the Renaissance?

A significant characteristic of sculptures during the Renaissance was the use of naturalism in depicting human forms. This period marked a revival of classical ideals and a shift towards a more realistic and lifelike representation of the human body. Artists studied anatomy, proportions, and the effects of light and shadow, enabling them to create sculptures that conveyed a sense of movement, emotion, and three-dimensionality.

Renaissance artists sought to capture the beauty and intricacies of the human figure, leading to works that featured detailed musculature, skin textures, and dynamic poses. This emphasis on naturalism set Renaissance sculpture apart from earlier periods, where figures often lacked realistic proportions and dimensionality. The focus on human experience and the natural world was a defining feature, revealing the artists' deep engagement with observation and empirical study, which was pivotal in advancing the skills of sculpting during this era. This approach laid the groundwork for future developments in the visual arts, influencing generations of artists to prioritize realism in their work.