The Renaissance was a cultural movement that began in 14th-century Italy and spread across Europe, marking a “rebirth” of art, science, and classical knowledge from ancient Greece and Rome.
🧠 What made it special?
Renaissance artists focused on:
- Realism (accurate human anatomy)
- Perspective (depth in paintings)
- Humanism (importance of human experience)
This was very different from the flat, symbolic style of medieval art.
🖌️ Famous artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Known for combining art and science
- Painted the Mona Lisa
- Michelangelo
- Created the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
- Raphael
- Famous for harmony and composition
🔬 Key innovations
- Linear perspective (3D illusion on flat surfaces)
- Study of anatomy through dissection
- Use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro)
🌍 Why it matters
The Renaissance:
- Changed how humans see themselves and the world
- Influenced modern science and art
- Laid foundations for Western culture
