The Italian High Renaissance is the defining movement in our art history. No other artistic movement has contributed more to development of art as a whole. Before the Italian Renaissance artists held the same position in society as any other skilled craftsmen and were given as much respect as carpenters and goldsmiths. But, in the 1400’s this all changed.

A new revolution in art opened the eyes of the world to the glory of the world itself. Before 1400 the primary subjects of art were religious in nature. Aside from commissioned portraits most artists made their livings painting biblical scenes and portraits of saints. It was generally assumed that only religious imagery was deserving of reproduction.