Fifteenth century of Italian paintings

In the fifteenth century, artists learned to depict the visual world in a naturalistic method. They extended their understanding of glow and shadow, of space and anatomy. The idealized statuary of classical antiquity served as models, while in architecture the classical information were applied to Renaissance buildings.

Florence helped to nurture the arts. Commissions came from the cathedral, the state, and wealthy families. Classical in addition to biblical heroes and heroines were portrayed as examples of virtue and moral fortitude.

By the early 15th century, however, people in and other cities of central Italy genuinely believed they were living in a new era—the Renaissance. Not only did the Renaissance carry new, more naturalistic styles, but also enlarged patronage from private individuals, and new, secular subjects.