[ktRolster]

"The paintings made between 1430 and 1500 are still unsurpassed," for example, is completely ridiculous

Somewhat offtopic, but we can talk about it anyway, since we are talking about art. (and let's extend the range beyond 1500 a little).

It is true, for example, that Raphael's colors, while beautiful, are surpassed by the incredible range we have today. And certainly, photoshop and modern art gives artists more options in composition, conception, and execution than ever before. However, in terms of raw skill, I don't think anyone surpasses Michaelangelo. Certainly not anyone today (although Rodin and Monet come close).