The Old Masters

The Old Masters refer to highly skilled European painters from roughly the 13th to the 17th centuries, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt. They are celebrated for their technical mastery, innovative techniques, and significant influence on art history. Their works often featured detailed realism, complex compositions, and mastery of light and shadow, setting the foundation for Western art. The term also highlights their role as exemplars of artistic excellence during their time, representing a period when painting was a highly revered craft.