Secularism is a general tendency to discuss human relationships – private and public – independently of religious values, customs and institutions.

During the Renaissance most of the art and architecture were commissioned by the Catholic Church, which its main intent was to promote its doctrine; being holder of great resources and riches soon became impossible to separate art from theology.  When easel painting grew in popularity, it helped to increase private commissions, releasing artists from producing “religious” art and that was when Secularism was born.

Important contemporary events, with a focus on prominent public figures, provided an obvious source of secular subject matter during the Renaissance.  Other factor in the secularization of Renaissance art include: urbanization; the consolidation of secular power; increasing wealth which created new patrons for the arts; and the steady growth of a market in art which explored Classical themes, imagery and principles. This secular trend flourished a century later in the Baroque era.

 

Some of the Artists:

• Leon Battista Alberti
• Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio
• Sandro Botticelli
• Donato Bramante
• Filippo Brunelleschi
• Vittore Carpaccio
• Donatello
• Giorgione
• Andrea Mantegna
• Michelangelo Buonarroti
• Sebastiano Del Piombo
• Titan