Final answer:
The claim is false; in the 14th century, Italy was divided into city-states, and artists identified with their city-state rather than a unified Italy. Florence played a key role in the development of Renaissance art, while different regions had distinct styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that in the 14th century, the political organization of the Italian peninsula was exactly the same as it is today, and that all early Renaissance artists considered themselves only Italian is false. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Italy was not a unified country but rather a collection of independent city-states, such as Florence, Milan, and Venice, each with their own systems of governance. This lack of unified Italian identity is reflected in the art of the early Renaissance. Artists during that period identified themselves with their city-states and were influenced by local styles, cultures, and governments.
It is important to note that Florence is often considered the birthplace of Renaissance painting, which was known for its naturalistic representations and the development of perspective. Different regions in Italy developed unique artistic expressions that sometimes diverged significantly. For example, Siena retained Gothic elements in its art for much of the Renaissance period because of its political ties with France. Therefore, it would be more accurate to say that Renaissance artists saw themselves mainly in the context of their individual city-states rather than as part of a unified Italian identity.