Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Lorenzo de Medici, and Pope Julius II.

Famous Figures of the Italian Renaissance There were many famous figures of the Italian Renaissance. During the Renaissance, there was a tremendous outburst of creative geniuses in all aspects of the arts, science, and literature. Among these were the artists Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, the great Florentine ruler, Lorenzo de Medici, and the Pope Julius II. These individuals, probably more than anyone else, contributed to the great works of art created during the …

…developing new techniques and for being so skilled at so many different things. Lorenzo de Medici embodied that spirit by being a supporting and patronizing the arts. And also for his efforts to beautify the city of Florence. Pope Julius II brought 3 masterpieces into being by commissioning Michelangelo's frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo's Last Judgement, and Raphael's School of Athens. These men, arguably more than anyone else, had the "spirit of the renaissance."