Chapter II: Introduction

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Character of the Fine Arts of the Renaissance not hitherto
correctly set forth--The Fine Arts always an expression of
the conditions and beliefs of a people--Mediæval Christianity
as a source of artistic inspiration--Conditions that gave
character to the Fine Arts of the Middle Ages--Artistic
productions of the Renaissance qualified by the immoral
tendencies of the time--Luxury and extravagance of Florence
at the close of the fifteenth century--The Fine Arts made to
minister to sensuous pleasure--Best classic art unknown in
the Renaissance time--Mixed influences actuating the artist
of the Renaissance--The Renaissance and the Middle Ages
compared as to development of the individual--Lack of aptitude
for construction among the architects of the Renaissance--The
Italian genius for painting--The painter’s habits of design
shown in the Renaissance use of the orders--Classification of
architectural styles--Painting the best art of the
Renaissance--Yet Italian painting of the sixteenth century
is not all of exemplary character--Best art of the Renaissance
founded on the earlier Christian art--A retrospective movement
not a vital force in artistic development 1