What are the similarities and differences between the Italian and Northern Renaissance?

The Renaissance first appeared in Italy. Then this phenomenon spread to Western European states. The Northern Renaissance differs from the Italian one in that it acquired special religious forms in Europe. Interest in antiquity among the northerners awakened the transition to Protestantism. After that, the Reformation began. During the Northern Renaissance, new forms of painting, independent of the Catholic Church, appeared. Artists began to depict portraits, miniatures, more inclined towards individuality and realism.