In the fifteenth century Florence was considered the “Heart of the Renaissance” as home of the Italian Médici family who were major patrons of the arts.
Florence was the center of trade for European wool and wealthy Florentine merchants dominated the industry. Their wealth was used to fund the building of mansions, villas, and cathedrals and to fill those buildings with magnificent works of art. This built competition in the area leading to a flourishing art community.
