The Northern European Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance were important periods and also paved the way for several civilizations. However, these periods have many similarities as well as differences. The social and cultural similarities between the Northern European Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance lie in the fact that both chose religious figures and stories of Christianity as their basic artistic premise. Religion was given prominence in work during both periods. Both eras pointed to religious events as a way to show their love and affection for religion. Michelangelo's Adam Creation and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Super are clear examples in the Italian Renaissance, and Hubert Van Eyck's Mystic Lamb and Albrecht Dürer's Jan and Adam and Eve are the dominant examples of the Northern Renaissance. -European (Snyder). Another major similarity between the Italian Renaissance and the Northern European Renaissance is that by the 15th century both had a specific artistic center. In Italy, the Republic of Florence was popular among artists for its inspiration and innovation, while in the North, Flanders was valued as its artistic center. Additionally, another similarity between the two of them was the guild system. At that time, guilds were considered the best actions a man took in crafting, painting, and making saddles. However, training for any specialty was lengthy and involved a process and sequential steps. The social and cultural differences between the Northern European Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance are that the Northern European Renaissance relied on the architecture and art of the Gothic or Middle Ages. . There is also... middle of paper ...... where the focus is on the appearance of the art. Italian art depicted religion, spiritual figures for example Jesus, their celestial beliefs and depicted ancient legendary beings. Overall, there are many differences between the two periods, but they introduced many innovative techniques and ideas and even introduced new religions that are still used and studied today. Works Cited Albury, WR and GM Weisz. “Representing the bread of the Last Supper: religious representation in Italian Renaissance society.” Journal of Religion and Society. 11. (2009): 1-17. Print.Benton, Janetta Rebold and Robert DiYanni. Arts and culture: an introduction to the humanities. 4th. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2002. Print. Snyder, James. Northern Renaissance art: painting, sculpture, graphic arts from 1350 to 1575. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Art, 1985. Print.