The art and architectural movement that followed the Gothic period is the Renaissance. Emerging in the 14th century, the Renaissance marked a revival of classical learning and a renewed interest in the arts, science, and humanism. Characterized by a focus on symmetry, proportion, and balance, Renaissance art sought to capture the beauty of the human form and the natural world. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael exemplified this shift through their innovative techniques and perspectives. The movement spread across Europe, influencing various artistic disciplines, literature, and philosophy, and significantly shaped cultural developments.