What are four characteristics of The Renaissance?

The first characteristic is a philosophical basis in humanism, or the belief that any problem in civilization could be solved by human rationalism. Whereas religious doctrine promoted the belief that people were inherently sinful and could only be redeemed by the denial of the body and submission to God, humanists declared that the human mind and body were extraordinary and should be admired.
In keeping with its love of the human mind and body, Renaissance artists revived the aesthetics of the Classical era, using the remnants of Ancient Rome as inspiration. Thus, the second characteristic is a revival of the Classical arts.
Outside of the arts, the Renaissance also saw the expansion of mercantilism. Trade expanded throughout the Italian city-states, leading to great wealth and the creation of the merchant class. The Medici family is the best known example of successful merchants. The Dutch also successfully participated in trade.
A fourth characteristic of the Renaissance is that, due to the wealth of merchants, arts patronage became common. Members of the merchant class commissioned artists to paint portraits of them which often showcased their wealth and prestige. The Jan van Eyck painting The Arnolfini Marriage is an example of this.