How did Gothic painters begin to show depth in their pictures?

Gothic painters began to depict spatial depth through several key technical developments as they moved away from earlier, flatter styles toward greater realism.12

• Use of Light and Shade: Starting around 1270–1280, artists began modeling figures and drapery using light and shade rather than relying solely on line. This "discovery of light" helped give figures a more three-dimensional, tangible presence.31
• Manipulation of Perspective: Particularly in Italy, painters made significant advances in the use of perspective to describe the space within their scenes. This allowed artists to place figures within convincing architectural or landscape settings that enclosed them, creating a sense of depth.1
• Compositional Realism: Painters developed the ability to create figures that appeared to interact through natural gestures and expressions, further enhancing the illusion of a realistic, three-dimensional space.1

These innovations, which were notably advanced by artists such as Giotto di Bondone and later adopted by northern artists like Jean Pucelle, marked a transition that eventually led to the mastery of perspective during the Italian Renaissance.123