The Renaissance in Europe

Exploring a pivotal period in history

Introduction to the Renaissance

The Renaissance was a fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages. Generally described as taking place from the 14th century to the 17th century, the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art.

Key Figures

Artistic Achievements

During the Renaissance, artists developed techniques such as perspective, proportion and chiaroscuro (light and shadow), which gave paintings a more realistic appearance.

The Impact on Science and Exploration

This period was marked by significant advancements in geographical exploration, spurred on by figures such as Christopher Columbus, and major advancements in science led by thinkers like Galileo and Copernicus.