The North’s refusal of the Church’s doctrines finds its way into their art and distinctive qualities. There was a desire to display the beauty of humanness and an emphasis on realism. Providing the space for secular paintings allows artists to identify the importance of their presence in the artistic process. These individuals are no longer seen as lowly laborers but instead as intellectual peers, rewarded for their ingenuity. Elements of the artist find their way into pieces with self-portraits, writing, or symbolism. Other influences include changes in patrons, no longer being excluded by religious authority, and instead relying on the elite. Portraits and scenes of the elite were often done in oil on wood, the popular medium of the region because it allowed for an intricate slow drying process that granted time for highly detailed pieces. Northern art’s focus on humanism separated its work from the classical style of Italy, concentrating on the importance of life observation and honest depictions.

The art of Italy during the 16th century sought to reinvigorate or provide “spiritual refreshment” as stated in the Titian module, its relationship with the Christian faith and the Classics. Biblical stories were still popular and heavenly scenes were commonly depicted with an idealized gaze. Other subject matter including Greco-Roman myths can be seen in the Mannerist style with, highly imaginative scenes filled with contorted bodies and shallow backgrounds. One of the most important breakthroughs in this era of art is understanding linear perspective. One-point linear perspective allowed artists to expand the illusionary quality of their pieces into the background. Images that once felt flat now stretched back infinitely and objects could lay in space appropriately. 

Both Northern and Italian art produced beautiful work that displayed emotionally rich landscapes, stories, and portraits. While advancements in technology, economics, and literacy deeply benefitted both regions in their artistic expansion challenges in politics and religion tested the two territories to the limit. The role of education would forever alter the landscape of European art, encouraging the public to engage in civic debate and stay proactive in social consciousness.