Which period applied scientific principles to the use of perspective in painting?

Neoclassicism emerged later, in the 18th century, as a reaction against the Rococo style and sought to revive the ideals of classical antiquity. While it emphasized clarity and order, it did not primarily focus on the innovative use of perspective that characterized the Renaissance. Instead, Neoclassical art relied on themes from ancient history and mythology rather than scientific principles of perspective.

The Realist movement, which developed in the mid-19th century, aimed to depict everyday life and ordinary people without romanticization. Although Realism emphasized accurate representation, it did not specifically focus on the scientific principles of perspective that were first explored in the Renaissance. The movement sought to portray life as it was, rather than employing the mathematical techniques that characterized earlier art.

The term "Classical" refers to the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, which laid the groundwork for later artistic movements, including the Renaissance. While classical art included elements of perspective, it was during the Renaissance that the systematic application of scientific principles to perspective was fully realized, marking a distinct evolution in the approach to painting.