15th Century
The 15th century was a transformative era in art history, serving as the bridge between the late Middle Ages and the High Renaissance. In Italy, this period saw the birth of the Early Renaissance, where artists like Masaccio and Sandro Botticelli pioneered the use of linear perspective to create realistic depth and focused on accurate human anatomy. Meanwhile, in Northern Europe, masters like Jan van Eyck revolutionized the use of oil paints. This new medium allowed for incredibly rich colors, glowing light, and astonishingly precise details in everything from delicate fabrics to distant landscapes. Whether capturing religious devotion, everyday portraits, or classical myths, 15th century paintings are characterized by their newfound dedication to realism, vibrant pigments, and a deep appreciation for observing the natural world.