The Renaissance marked a cultural and intellectual revival that significantly shifted perspectives on art and culture in Europe from the 14th to the 17th centuries. It emphasized humanism, which focused on the value and agency of human beings, rather than solely on religious themes. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo pushed boundaries in techniques, perspective, and realism, capturing the human experience in ways previously unseen. This period fostered advances in literature, science, and philosophy, celebrating innovation and individuality. The Renaissance laid the foundation for modern Western culture, encouraging exploration, thought, and expression that transcended medieval conventions.