The major cultural movement that occurred during the 14th to 17th centuries in Europe is known as the Renaissance. This period marked a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and humanism, significantly influencing European culture. Key figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare emerged during this time, producing groundbreaking works that shaped Western thought. The Renaissance encouraged exploration, scientific inquiry, and individual expression, contrasting the prior focus on religious themes. It laid the foundations for the modern world by fostering ideas about human potential, creativity, and the value of secular knowledge, ultimately leading to significant social and intellectual transformations.