Ambrogio Lorenzetti

Ambrogio Lorenzetti painted with luminous realism, capturing the bustling life and landscapes of 14th-century Siena in unprecedented detail. Think of him as the "Lorenzetti Landscape Legend": his sprawling frescoes, like the Allegory of Good and Bad Government, depict not just religious scenes, but vibrant cities, thriving farms, and the very real consequences of political choices. He broke from the stiff, symbolic conventions of his time by emphasizing naturalism, perspective (though imperfect!), and emotional depth in his figures, making him a pioneer of early Renaissance art.