New ideas of secularism and humanism emerged during the Renaissance because classical culture traveled to Europe via Greek scholars seeking refuge in Italy. As medieval supernaturalism began to subside, secular and human interests became more predominant. Individual experience and talents became more interesting to people than the gloomy afterlife. Dependance on faith and God started to diminish leading to the age of Renaissance humanism to begin. One of the most influential elements in classical culture emerged from the Renaissance was secularism which focused on mostly artistic things rather than scientific. Secularism developed mainly off of pagan literature with its intellectual affinity to the new world.
In The Arnolfini Portrait,…show more content… Although there are many religious symbols found in this portrait, the majority of things in it are secular. Some religious symbols include the chandelier with one lit candle (representing the presence of God), the statue of St. Margaret, as well the images around the mirror depicting the passion of Christ. There are too many secular symbols in this painting to name them all, but the overall portrayal of the Arnolfini couple’s wealth could be considered secular. Their wealth and social status already represents humanism, but can also be interpreted as secularism, for the focus on their wealth and accomplishments is the focus of present worldly matters. That matches up with the definition of secularism. It is also believed by some scholars that The Arnolfini Portrait is a wedding portrait, or possibly an engagement portrait. They were lead to believe this because many symbols in the room that represent things such as faithfulness to each other, fertility, and also childbirth. Although these symbols could also indicate pregnancy in the lady, it is more likely for them to represent their marriage or engagement. If the portrait being about the Arnolfini couple’s marriage is true, then this engagement or marriage also ties into secularism, for it is a celebration of a present, not necessarily only religious, event.
