Quattrocento describes the 15th century Italian cultural and artistic era because it stems from the Italian term for "fifteenth century." The early Renaissance era emerged through a renewed appreciation for classical art forms and humanistic values. During the Quattrocento period artists transitioned from medieval styles to modern techniques by emphasizing perspective and naturalism along with proportional accuracy. Masaccio, Fra Angelico, and Sandro Botticelli emerged as key Renaissance artists during this time and produced masterpieces that perfectly represented Renaissance ideals. The Quattrocento period served as the foundational stage for future artistic breakthroughs that emerged in subsequent centuries.