7th centuries when there was a new interest in science and in ancient art and literature especially in Italy” Merriam Webster's dictionary.
Economic links existed between the mercantile north (notably Flanders) and the merchants and bankers of Florence – especially those involved in the woollen trade. In the courts of northern Europe during the 15th century, especially that of the Dukes of Burgundy, there existed centres of art and artists. These courts employed artists, as did the Italian Renaissance courts, to create decorative arts for appreciation, memorial and pageantry. The rising northern and Flemish middle class of traders, merchants and entrepreneurs, allied to court functionaries, became important patrons of art. They quickly realised