The Renaissance is the period characterized by a remarkable revival of art, literature, and intellectual pursuits in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. This era saw the flourishing of humanism, a movement that emphasized the study of classical texts and the potential of human achievement. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo produced masterpieces that are still celebrated today, while thinkers like Machiavelli and Erasmus questioned established norms and politics. The Renaissance laid the groundwork for modern science and philosophy, influencing countless aspects of Western culture and thought.