European art of the 16th century was marked by the spread of Renaissance culture and ideas from Italy through the rest of the continent, resulting in a number of new styles. The High Renaissance (roughly the first two decades of the 16th century) and Mannerism are the movements most often associated with this period.

The 16th century was a period of considerable transition and innovation within European art. The period began with the continuation of the Italian High Renaissance, with masters such as Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael before being replaced by the Mannerist era and leading on towards the Baroque.