Which characteristic best describes Early Renaissance sculpture?

The characteristic that best describes Early Renaissance sculpture is the presence of idealized figures and classical composition. During the Early Renaissance, artists drew heavily from the principles of ancient Greek and Roman art, reviving classical themes and techniques. This revival included a focus on humanism, where the human form was celebrated with ideal proportions, naturalism, and a keen attention to anatomical accuracy. Sculptors aimed to create figures that embodied beauty and perfection, often reflecting mythological, biblical, or historical subjects.

This period marked a significant shift from the more rigid and stylized forms of the Gothic era to a more dynamic and lifelike representation of the human figure. The techniques of contrapposto, where figures are depicted in a more relaxed stance, and the use of perspective in composition allowed for a more realistic and engaging view of sculptures. This emphasis on idealized representations and classical composition is what distinctively characterizes Early Renaissance sculpture.