Image for 16th-century sculpture

16th-century sculpture

Sixteenth-century sculpture was marked by the High Renaissance and early Mannerism, emphasizing realism, anatomical precision, and expressive detail. Artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci created stunning marble and bronze works that captured human emotion and divine ideals. Sculptors focused on dynamic poses, intricate drapery, and idealized figures, often depicting religious, mythological, and historical themes. Innovations in perspective and anatomy led to more lifelike representations, reflecting the era’s fascination with humanism and the natural world. Overall, 16th-century sculpture exemplifies technical mastery and artistic exploration during a transformative period in European art.