(I) During the Renaissance, Italy was not a single,
unified country. (II) It consisted of a patchwork of small
states, each with its own history, government, and
traditions. (III) Artistic styles varied significantly from
region to region. (IV) The writings of Vasari, a painter
and architect from Florence, helped establish the idea
that Renaissance art originated in Italy. (V) Although
Florence, Rome, and Venice were the main centres of
artistic activity, skilled artists produced significant works
in other areas as well