The High Renaissance Art Movement is a period of art history that occurred during the 15th and 16th centuries.

It was a time of great change in Europe, as feudalism was being replaced by capitalism and monarchies were being overthrown by republics.

During this period, artists began to focus more on realism than idealism; they wanted people to be able to identify with their paintings rather than feel like they were looking at something out of this world.

Donatello’s Madonna dei Pazzi (ca. 1386–1466) famous sculpture. Original from the Rijksmuseum. Digitally enhaced by rawpixel.

This movement started in Florence, Italy where artists like Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) began experimenting with new techniques such as sfumato (smoky tones) and chiaroscuro (light/dark contrast).

These techniques gave paintings an almost 3D effect which made them appear more lifelike than ever before!

History of the High Renaissance Art Movement

The High Renaissance Art Movement is a period in European history that lasted from about 1490 to 1600.

It was a time of great political and social upheaval, as well as artistic achievement.

The movement began with the work of Michelangelo and Raphael, both of whom were born around 1475 and died in 1520.

During this time period, artists like Leonardo da Vinci also flourished;

however, he died before the movement ended (in 1519).


The High Renaissance was an era marked by innovation in painting techniques such as perspective and chiaroscuro (light/dark contrast).

Artists also experimented with new ways of depicting emotion through facial expressions or gestures rather than just through color alone–a technique called Mannerism.

The High Renaissance began around 1490 when artists started working on frescoes at Rome’s Sistine Chapel after Pope Sixtus IV commissioned them to do so;

although some say it started earlier than that with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus painting which was completed around 1485

Characteristics of the High Renaissance Art Movement

The High Renaissance art movement was known for its focus on the human figure, as well as its use of perspective and realism.

The artists of this time period were able to create paintings that appeared to be three-dimensional because they used linear perspective.

Linear perspective is a technique used by artists in which objects that are farther away from us appear smaller than those that are closer to us.


The use of realism was also important during this time period because it allowed viewers to see what real life looked like through their artwork rather than an idealized version of it (like we saw with Medieval Art).

Impact of the High Renaissance Art Movement

The High Renaissance art movement had a major impact on later artistic movements, including Baroque and Mannerism.

It also influenced the Renaissance period in general, which is considered by many historians to be one of the most important periods in European history.

Its legacy lives on today through its influence on other artists and their works;

if you’ve ever seen paintings by Michelangelo or Raphael, then you’ve seen the legacy of High Renaissance art!

High Renaissance – Wrap Up

The High Renaissance Art Movement is a period in history that saw artists return to the classical ideals of art and architecture.

This movement was characterized by artists who were interested in creating works that were realistic, beautiful and idealized.

The High Renaissance began in Florence, Italy around 1425 and lasted until about 1520 when it spread throughout Europe.

The legacy of this period has been long lasting due to its impact on future artists who would try to emulate its style or themes (like religion).