From the middle decades of the 15th century, artists in Florence and its surrounding territories diversified their production to meet the desires of the region’s swelling mercantile classes. In addition to devotional works, these patrons sought new kinds of art to adorn their residences.
Paintings treating ancient or mythological subjects often had a particular function, marking an important event such as a wedding or a birth. Others commemorated historical events. Uccello’s 'Battle of San Romano' is one of three monumental paintings that celebrate Florence’s 1432 victory over rival city states. Commissioned by Leonardo Bartolini Salimbeni for his town house, Uccello’s paintings were forcibly appropriated by Lorenzo de’ Medici in 1484.
As Florence’s ruling family, the Medici used artistic commissions to bolster their prestige and political clout, promoting a succession of pioneering Florentine artists including Domenico Ghirlandaio, Andrea del Verrocchio and Sandro Botticelli. Images of the 'Adoration of the Kings' were especially popular. The Medici strongly identified with the Three Kings and organised a lavish procession on their feast day.
