The significant cultural movement that occurred in Europe during the 14th to 17th centuries is the Renaissance. This period is characterized by a revival of interest in art, literature, science, and classical learning stemming from ancient Greece and Rome. The Renaissance fostered innovation and inquiry, leading to remarkable achievements in fields such as painting, philosophy, and humanism. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo emerged, influencing cultural developments that shaped modern Western thought and embodied the spirit of creativity and exploration.