How long did the Renaissance period last?

The Italian Renaissance lasted from the 14th to the 17th centuries. During that time period, a modern way of thinking occurred with advances in art, science and culture.

When most think of the Renaissance, they think of art. The famed Medici family of Florence sponsored many types of projects, and these artists often went on to become the celebrities of the time. One of the common themes of Renaissance art was humanism. Many artists and architects, such as Filippo Brunelleschi, used humanist principles in their work. Brunelleschi's famed dome at the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral is an example of Renaissance architecture.