Italian 15th Century

The entity designated as Italian 15th Century refers to an anonymous artist or workshop active during the Quattrocento period, specifically documenting output between approximately 1400 and 1470. This period marks the formative years of the Renaissance in Italy, a transition reflected in early graphic arts and printmaking traditions.

Based on surviving institutional holdings, the artist or collective workshop specialized in works on paper, with fifteen pieces represented in major museum collections. These holdings include four distinct drawings and eleven early prints. Subject matter spans both secular and religious themes. Notable works preserved in collections include multiple examples of Playing Cards, alongside specific narrative scenes such as The Annunciation to Zacharias and The Destruction of the Egyptian Idols [verso].

Today, works attributed to Italian 15th Century are held in prestigious venues like the National Gallery of Art, establishing their museum-quality historical significance. The documented availability of these early images provides valuable insight into the development of graphic arts. Many examples of these Italian 15th Century prints and drawings fall within the public domain, allowing for scholarly study and the release of high-quality prints for widespread access.