The Florentine School was founded by Giotto, his simplistic and emotional paintings inspiring a large portion of later painters.

Initially, the Florentine School was influenced by the Internation Gothic style. In the 15th century, the Florentine School was characterized by scientific and realistic work. Later in the 16th century, the school was made famous through the work of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. The rise of the Mannerist movement brought about the end of the Florentine School. It was brought to Florence by Federico and Taddeo Zuccaro.