1400 - 1494 A.D.  > The Early Renaissance

1494 - 1564 A.D. > The High Renaissance and Early Mannerism

1500 - 1603 A.D. > Religious Reformations, Northern Humanism, The Northern Renaissance, and Late Mannerism

The Early Renaissance was dominated by competition between the Italian city-states of Venice, Milan, Florence, the Papal States, and Naples for political, economic, and social status, with Florence ultimately becoming the center of culture and the largest city in Europe. Wealthy families like the Medicis wielded significant influence and authority. Even the popes got caught up in the pursuit of power and in the patronage of Renaissance culture. Humanism was the prevalent philosophy, with its foundations in ancient Roman studies. Artistic movements show an increased emphasis on individual personality, particularly in the production of high quality portraiture, and the development of linear and atmospheric perspective. Architecture is marked by Classical revival. Sculpture likewise harkens to the Greco-Roman tradition. Painting, however, sees innovation with the introduction of panel paintings, allowing art to be portable. Leonardo da Vinci emerges as the quintessential Renaissance Man.

The High Renaissance was a period of genius, with artists seeking to refine Classicism to a state of perfection. Rome replaced Florence as the cultural center and popes became the leading patrons of the arts. Artistic masters included da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. This is the period during which Michelangelo produced the Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, David, and St. Peter's Basilica. European population and prosperity increased. Politically, France, England, and Spain emerged as unified, stable kingdoms; while England remained separate from European affairs, France and Spain waged wars in attempts to dominate Italian city-states. Venice remained independent and became an artistic and intellectual haven.

Mannerism is a term often applied to the art produced between 1520 and 1580 and describes an elaboration (some might say a distortion) of the High Renaissance style. Machiavelli produced The Prince. Michelangelo continued to dominate artistic endeavors in painting and sculpture, with works like the Last Judgment fresco and the Pietà. Titian and Parmigianino distinguished themselves in painting, and Palladio became the leading architect.

Contiguous to the High Renaissance and Mannerism in Italy, the breakup of religious unity began in Germany with the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther and continued by John Calvin, and in England, where King Henry VIII formed the Church of England. The Roman Catholic Church responded with a Counter-Reformation which revitalized and reformed the papacy and monasticism. Literature reflected the breakup of Christendom with a movement known as Northern Humanism or Christian Humanism which sought to reconcile Classicism and Christianity.

The Northern Renaissance centered in Spain and northern Europe, with literary masters like Montaigne and Shakespeare. Dürer's engravings and woodcuts became increasingly complex. El Greco and Tintoretto epitomized Mannerist impulses.