Bartolomeo Ammannati and Giambologna. The Fountain of Neptune. 1565, The Boboli Gardens

Florence is regularly named as the birthplace of the Renaissance.This city was the center for European wool trade making it the home of primarily wealthy merchants who dominated the art industry.While the Catholic Church was a significant patron of the arts throughout the Renaissance works of art were largely funded by civil government, courts and wealthy individuals.Many of the artwork made during the early Renaissance was supported by the wealthy merchant families of Florence, particularly the Medici family.They greatly impacted the art of renaissance because the political support and the funding allowed for artist to focus on their work rather than having to worry about money causing the creation of major historical works of art.The Medici family spent several years in exile but decided to return in 1512 to preside over another flourishing of Florentine art, such as the statues Judith and Holofernes that accessorize the cities Piazza della Signoria. Florence had a very naturalistic meaning the art depicted realistic objects or people in a natural setting.Artists paid great attention to very accurate and precise details.

​​​​​​​Background Picture: Britticana. Florence: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. No date available, Cathedral in Florence, Italy