Why is 15th Centuary Italien Art and architecture frequently called experemental

Question:I'm wondering why? My AP art history teacher said that the other day and I have no idea why, and its not any where in the Gardiner text.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm wondering why? My AP art history teacher said that the other day and I have no idea why, and its not any where in the Gardiner text.

Because it's part of the Renaissance, in which they broke from traditional artistic thought. They were rediscovering the classic Greek and Roman art/architecture and taking a new spin on them. Even though it might seem really old to us now, at the time, it was a new and experimental way of thinking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance

He could be referring to Mannerism.