Renaissance literature refers to the literature of Europe written during the Renaissance, which was a cultural movement that spanned from the 14th to the 17th century. The Renaissance saw a revival of classical learning and values, and literature played an important role in this revival. Many of the great works of Renaissance literature were written in Latin or Greek, but there was also a growing body of literature in the vernacular languages of Europe.
Renaissance writers sought to imitate classical authors, and many of their works are characterized by a higher level of realism than was typical of medieval literature. The Renaissance also saw the development of new literary genres, such as the sonnet and the essay. Some of the most famous Renaissance writers include William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Johannes Gutenberg.
Renaissance literature was important to the visual arts because it often explored similar themes expressed visually. For example, many Renaissance writers wrote about love, and this theme was often explored in paintings and sculptures of the period. Similarly, religious topics were popular among Renaissance writers, and they were often depicted in art as well.
