What was a defining characteristic of the Southern Renaissance?

The defining characteristic of the Southern Renaissance was the support from the Church for artists. During this period, particularly in regions like Italy, the Catholic Church played a significant role in the patronage of the arts. Many artists, such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci, produced works that were often commissioned by church leaders. This relationship fostered an environment where religious subjects were depicted with great skill and innovation, enhancing the Church's influence on culture and society.

Support from the Church for artists allowed the Southern Renaissance to flourish, leading to monumental works that highlighted religious themes but also incorporated humanist principles and classical antiquity. This juxtaposition of spiritual and intellectual pursuits was fundamental to the artistic achievements of this era.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the dynamics of the Southern Renaissance. The opposition to the Church's influence does not characterize this period, as it was marked by a close relationship between artists and religious patronage. The focus on purely secular subjects was more prominent in the Northern Renaissance, while socialist ideologies did not emerge until later, making them unrelated to the context of the Southern Renaissance.