Which art style is characterized by the depiction of human emotion and realistic settings that emerged during the Renaissance?

The art style that emerged during the Renaissance and is characterized by the depiction of human emotion and realistic settings is Naturalism. This movement during the Renaissance sought to portray subjects in a lifelike manner, focusing on the accurate representation of human figures, facial expressions, and physical environments. Artists strived for realism in their works, employing techniques such as perspective, chiaroscuro (the use of light and shadow), and anatomical accuracy to depict the human condition and the world around them authentically.

Naturalism marked a significant departure from the more stylized and less realistic representations of the preceding medieval period, allowing for a deeper emotional connection between the artwork and the viewer. Through the works of master artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, this focus on natural detail and human emotions became a hallmark of Renaissance art, setting the foundation for subsequent movements.