What term best describes the focus on realistic representation in art during the Renaissance?

The term that best describes the focus on realistic representation in art during the Renaissance is Naturalism. Naturalism emphasizes a detailed and accurate portrayal of the natural world, including human figures, landscapes, and everyday life, reflecting a deep interest in observing and depicting the real world as it is. During the Renaissance, artists aimed to capture the nuances of light, shadow, and human anatomy, leading to more lifelike forms and expressions. Naturalism can be seen in the works of artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who studied the human body and nature closely to achieve authenticity in their art.

While Realism focuses on representing subjects as they appear in everyday life, the term Naturalism is more specifically tied to the techniques and philosophies adopted during the Renaissance that sought to portray reality with precision and detail. This approach was somewhat of a departure from the idealized forms of the previous medieval period, bridging the gap between artistic representation and the human experience. Thus, Naturalism is the most appropriate term to encapsulate the artistic goals of the Renaissance period.