Masaccio was an Italian painter of the early Renaissance, born in 1401 in San Giovanni Valdarno. He is known for his innovative use of perspective and naturalism, which helped to transform the art of his time. His most famous works include the frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence, where he depicted biblical scenes with a sense of depth and realism. Masaccio's style marked a departure from the flat, decorative art of the Medieval period. He was a pioneer in the use of chiaroscuro, the contrast of light and shadow, to create three-dimensional forms. His influence on later artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, solidified his reputation as a key figure in the development of Western art.