The Relationship Between Science, Humanism, and Artistic Production in 15th Century Italy

There is a relationship between science and humanism in 15th century Itailian art. Humanism was growing at large in the 15th century. We are able to see this interest through artwork as artists started to show their interest in humanism as well. Mythology began to appear in works, this is one example of humanism. Artists had a thirst for knowledge, and the exploration of new opportunities and ideas. It encouraged individual potential and also civic responsibility. Science also played a big role in 15th century art. The development of a new printing process of antique writings led to the printing of one epic poem of Heaven and Hell and Purgatory. These writings helped people learn about great writers, such as Socrates, Ovid, Plato, and Aristotle. Which also led to the exploration of mythology and religion. People of high status were influenced most of all by humanism and were able to commission such great works of art, such as the Medici family, which aquired their wealth from banking. Leonardo da Vinci, "Renaissance man", not only had great knowledge of art, but he also was very knowledgable in architecture, geology, botany, hydraulics, aerodynamics, and military science. Humanism encouraged people to learn more about the science of the human body and how it worked. Artists wanted to learn the science of the human body in order to better place it in there works. It was not only an art it was a science. Therefore, humanism and science greatly played a role in 15th century Itailian art.