The Renaissance was a cultural movement starting in 14th century Italy, during which Graeco-Roman high culture and knowledge were rediscovered by Europe. In the Renaissance, it became fashionable for a gentleman to possess diverse abilities and at least a passing knowledge of many subjects. Hence, a renaissance man is a person who excels in a variety of disciplines and possesses knowledge of many subjects. The quintessential renaissance man was Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo is known as the Renaissance master; he increased world knowledge and excelled in a number of areas, including painting, sculpture, architecture, engineering and science.