How did humanism influence the arts?

During the Renaissance Era, humanism became a central motif for painters, sculptors, and artists of the like. In the artistic periods prior, such as the Medieval Era, the content of most works was religious-based. In the High Renaissance, we start to slowly move away from this. Religious scenes or characters were still being depicted, but in a different light. Perhaps the messages conveyed by art in the High Renaissance are aimed toward more human-based ideals rather than religious themes. The beauty in the human form and humanity itself were discovered and, for the most part, replaced the beauty of divinity and holiness. The Renaissance marks a developing curiosity and keen interest in the individual.