When do you capitalize the word Renaissance?

You capitalize "Renaissance" when it refers to a specific historical period, particularly the Italian Renaissance (c. 14th-16th centuries).

Here are some examples:

* The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing.

* Michelangelo was a prominent artist of the Renaissance.

* Leonardo da Vinci embodied the spirit of Renaissance humanism.

However, you wouldn't capitalize "renaissance" when referring to a general revival or rebirth, such as:

* The renaissance of classical music in the 20th century.

* There was a renaissance of interest in poetry after the war.

In short, if you're talking about the specific historical period in Italy, then you capitalize it. If you're talking about a general concept, then you don't.