The renaissance period is 14th century to 16th century. It is characterized by a focus on the arts of Ancient Greece and Rome, which led to many changes in both the technical aspects of painting and sculpture, as well as to their subject matter. During the Renaissance, painters began to enhance the realism of their work by using new techniques in perspective and manipulation of light and darkness, thus representing three dimensions more authentically. Following with the humanist spirit of the age, art became more secular in subject matter, depicting ancient mythology in addition to Christian themes. This genre of art is often referred to as Renaissance Classicism. In the North, the most important Renaissance innovation was the widespread use of oil paints, which allowed for greater colour and intensity.