When did the Renaissance begin in Italy?

The Italian Renaissance does not have a single, universally agreed-upon start date, as historians hold varying perspectives on its origins. While some scholars associate the movement with the life of the commune stretching back to the 11th century, or with ideological shifts in the early 15th century, a majority consensus views the Italian Renaissance as a period of cultural history spanning roughly from 1340 to 1550.1

In the context of art history, the period is often more specifically defined. Some historians point to the early 15th century—specifically around 1400—as the beginning of the Renaissance, marked by a renewed interest in the rationalized art of the ancient world. Others categorize the "Early Renaissance" in painting as beginning around 1420. Ultimately, the Renaissance is best understood as a gradual transition rather than an event with sharp chronological boundaries.231