Final answer:
The Italian city renowned as the focal point of the Renaissance from the 1470s was Florence, which thrived as a mercantile and cultural hub due to a prosperous cloth industry and the influential patronage of the wealthy Medici family. Florence's wealth and humanistic culture fueled unparalleled artistic and intellectual activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Italian city that became the focal point of the Renaissance movement from the 1470s for almost 30 years was Florence. This period, known as the Early Renaissance, saw Florence thriving as a major mercantile center primarily due to its booming cloth production.
The city's economy was propelled by a wealthy and influential merchant class, which also played a critical role in the patronage of the arts. The rise of humanism, an intellectual movement emphasizing the value and agency of human beings, greatly influenced artistic innovation during this time.
Furthermore, Florence was home to the influential Medici family, whose patronage supported many artists and intellectuals. The accumulation of wealth in Florence led to a flourishing cultural environment where there was a keen interest in investing in art and education. The connections between Florence and other trading cities, such as Venice, facilitated the spread of ideas and resources, reinforcing the city's status as a hub of the Renaissance.
Art styles from Florence eventually dominated the period, and were disseminated to other Italian city-states and European regions. Factors such as the political structure, the patronage system, and the influx of Greek scholars following the Fall of Constantinople also contributed to Florence’s primacy during the Renaissance.