Early Renaissance

c. 1400–1480

The Early Renaissance marked a renewed interest in classical antiquity. Artists developed linear perspective and studied anatomy and proportion. Humanism shaped subject matter and style. Art became more naturalistic and intellectually grounded.

Five Masters of the Florentine Renaissance

Paolo Uccello

c. 1540 (fresco)

A fresco celebrating Florence’s artistic giants, painted in Uccello’s linear style.

Primavera

Sandro Botticelli

c. 1482

A mythological painting of spring, filled with graceful figures, flowers, and allegorical symbolism.

Polyptych of St Anthony

Pietro Della Francesca

1460–1470

An altarpiece with calm, monumental figures, reflecting Piero’s mastery of geometry and space.

Madonna and Child with Scenes from the Life of St Anne

Fra Filippo Lippi

1452

An altarpiece blending tender family scenes with decorative detail and rich color.

Gates of Paradise

Lorenzo Ghiberti

1425–1452

Bronze doors of Florence’s Baptistery, decorated with intricate reliefs of Old Testament scenes.

Niccolo Mauruzi da Tolentino Unseats Bernardino della Ciarda at the Battle of San Romano

Paolo Uccello

c. 1438–1440

A panel from Uccello’s battle series, combining perspective experiments with chivalric imagery.

The Annunciation

Fra Angelico

c. 1437–1446

A fresco showing the angel Gabriel greeting Mary, painted with serenity and luminous color.

The Holy Trinity

Masaccio

c. 1427

A groundbreaking fresco using linear perspective to show God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit with donors.