Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Italian Renaissance painting?

The choice that identifies a characteristic not associated with Italian Renaissance painting is correct. During the Italian Renaissance, artists aimed for realism and a deep connection to the human experience. They meticulously rendered human figures with attention to anatomy and proportion, seeking to convey emotional depth and lifelike expressions.

The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that contrasts light and shadow, was fundamental during this period as it added depth and volume to figures, enhancing their three-dimensionality. Similarly, the emphasis on linear perspective allowed artists to create more realistic spatial relationships within their compositions, often incorporating detailed backgrounds and landscapes that contributed to the overall realism of the work.

In contrast, a focus on abstract shapes and color fields, as indicated in the incorrect choice, is not reflective of the practices or goals of Italian Renaissance artists. This approach aligns more closely with modern art movements that emerged much later, where abstraction became a primary focus, departing from representational techniques that dominated the Renaissance.