Renaissance normally refers to the period in European history between the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, or between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, though in some cases it may refer to periods commencing as early as the fourteenth century and as late as the seventeenth century.
French for rebirth, the Renaissance was a cultural movement that began in Florence in the Late Middle Ages, eventually spreading throughout Europe. Though the Renaissance saw revolutions in many intellectual fields, in addition to social, religious and political upheaval, it is the artistic development for which the Renaissance Period is best known with the contributions of such greats as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Annunciation In the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, it may be in fact by his master, Verrocchio
