The Italian Renaissance, or just referred to as the Renaissance, began in 14th century Italy. Renaissance means "rebirth", which is exactly what it was. The Renaissance was a time in which art and culture became a more popular way of life. Before the Renaissance not much thought was given to life or culture, but artists began to change that when more thought was given to the human nature. The bible and the church were the main focuses before the Renaissance, where the belief of living was to serve God so you would die and go up to heaven. Artists started to create new thoughts about life, like that people should enjoy their time on Earth and live more comfortably. These thoughts were expressed in their work. Paintings were used primarily to depict bible stories and the triumphs of God at that time, but during the Renaissance artists started to branch off from that idea and started creating paintings of any subject. For the first time ever artists also started signing their work to get recognition for their art. These ideas soon spread to neighboring countries of Italy and later to all of Europe leaving the Dark Ages in the past and paving the way for todays culture.