While the artistic merits of these people is without doubt, also consider that the ruling Medici family had a vested interest in establishing Florence as a cultural and political center of its time. It’s not like other cities of the 15th century did not have any remarkable artists (particularly in Italy), but Florence is a prime example of a political entity that used soft power to promote its art(ists) and thus itself.
While the artistic merits of these people is without doubt, also consider that the ruling Medici family had a vested interest in establishing Florence as a cultural and political center of its time. It’s not like other cities of the 15th century did not have any remarkable artists (particularly in Italy), but Florence is a prime example of a political entity that used soft power to promote its art(ists) and thus itself.
Now these are the culture wars I can get behind.