What techniques did painters use during the renaissance to make paintings more realistic?

During the Renaissance, painters employed techniques such as linear perspective to create depth and realism in their compositions, allowing viewers to perceive three-dimensional space on a flat surface. They also focused on chiaroscuro, the use of light and shadow, to enhance the three-dimensionality of objects and figures. Additionally, artists studied human anatomy to accurately depict the human form, while the use of sfumato allowed for softer transitions between colors and tones, further contributing to a lifelike appearance.