Such works as the Maestą represents a new type of pictoral language that the Tuscan masters had developed in the late 13th/early 14th centuries. "First among them, Cimabue painted his monumental pala for San Francesco at Pisa sometime around 1270, which probably precedes another Maestą by him, along with two by Giotto and Duccio in the Uffizi in Florence"(Louvre). Cimabue uses a more formal style of painting that what existed before, which where such things as very smooth skin tones, and drapery.
2. "The Madonna and Child Surrounded by Six Angels, St. Anthony of Padua, St. John the Evangilist" by Sassetta
These three panels work together to form one of the most fascinating polytriptics of its time. "Two elements on the predella, illustrating the legend of the blessed Ranieri Rasini, who died in this Tuscan town in 1304, are also conserved in the Louvre"(Lourve). The midevil tradition is expressed through the use of gold, which characterizes 15th century Siennese art. "Sassetta, its most brilliant exponant, linked this to an infinitely tender, mystical quality" (Louvre).
3. "The Virgin and Child With St. Anne" by Leonardo da Vinci
The depiction of the Virgin in the lap of St Anne goes back to midevil times, but is a very rare scene in Christian art. "It was painted in Milan around 1510, and was the fruit of much deliberation, as drawings and cartoons indicate (the only surviving cartoon is in London)"(Louvre). Leonardo was never able to finish this particualr piece, and kept it with him until he died.