What were art and music like before the renaissance?

Before the Renaissance, art and music were largely influenced by religious themes and served primarily to glorify the church. In visual art, styles were characterized by flat, two-dimensional figures and a lack of perspective, with a focus on symbolism rather than realism. Music was predominantly vocal, with Gregorian chant being a central form, emphasizing monophonic texture and modal scales. Overall, creativity was often constrained by religious doctrine and societal norms, limiting individual expression.