How did materialism affect the arts of the Renaissance period?

The gradual spread of humanistic thought and the advances made in astronomy and other sciences removed some of the wonder and mystery from the then-current understanding of the universe. This, coupled with a weakening loyalty to spiritual authority )in part caused by the constant struggle between Church and State for supremacy), created a new materialism. The development of trade and commerce, with resultant increases in the standard of living, also strengthened materialistic philosophy. Set free from the authority of the Church, people began to question all authority. If they could no longer look to either the Church or the State for leadership, they felt free to have confidence in their own rationalizations. Consequently, they turned to more individualist beliefs and pursuits.

Materialism and individualism brought new incentives for living. The acquiring of personal wealth became a goal worth striving for. Worldly wisdom and temporal power were cultivated for the personal satisfaction they could bring. New dreamers were born, but their dreams were of business, science, and politics rather than religion.