The three geniuses of Renaissance art are often considered to be Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. These artists made significant contributions to the art world during the Renaissance period, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century.
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was a polymath who excelled in various fields, including painting, sculpture, and science. His most famous works include the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo’s meticulous attention to detail and his innovative techniques, such as sfumato, set new standards for artistic excellence.
Michelangelo
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) was a sculptor, painter, and architect. He is best known for his sculptures David and Pietà, as well as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Michelangelo’s work is characterized by its emotional intensity and anatomical precision.
Raphael
Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, known as Raphael (1483–1520), was a painter and architect. His most famous works include The School of Athens and numerous Madonnas. Raphael’s art is celebrated for its clarity of form, ease of composition, and visual achievement of the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur.
These three artists not only defined the High Renaissance but also left a lasting legacy that continues to influence art to this day.