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Artists that followed the Renaissance in the sixteenth century had the difficult task of succeeding such artists as Raphael, Michelangelo, and the host of other incredible artists of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The artists of the Renaissance were intrigued with nature, the relationship to the Classics, and the application of mathematics to art. By the time the time the Early and High Renaissance were over, many artistic styles relating to these questions had evolved …

…Distinctive styles were indeed important to the Renaissance artist (a Michelangelo and Leonardo are obviously Michelangelos and Leonardos), but the Mannerists wanted to also be involved in the interpretation of the work. They elongated bodies to emphasize points, yet understated extremities to make another point. Their interest in nature and Classics led them to emulate many of the earlier Masters, but their individualistic approach towards art made way for the next, modern era to come.