Was realism in art ever achieved before Renaissance Europe?

by six_string_sensei

What I mean is art that tries to depict its subject in as realistic proportions as possible. Were there any other societies that produced realistic depictions? All the art that I have looked from Classical China or medieval europe looks like a miniature with a very "flattened" look. I was wondering why didnt other civilization try to reproduce the natural depth and perspective in their art.

Searocksandtrees

Hi, while you're waiting for direct responses to your question, you might get something out of the posts here

There is also the subreddit /r/ArtHistory which may be able to help you out