During which artistic period was watercolor first widely used?

Watercolor was first widely used during the Renaissance period, which spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century. This era marked a significant shift in artistic techniques and materials, including the increasing popularity of watercolor as a medium. Artists began to explore the translucent qualities of watercolor, using it for sketches and preparatory studies. Its use allowed for greater experimentation with light and color, which were central themes of Renaissance art. The accessibility of water-based pigments and the development of paper suitable for watercolor painting during this time made it a favored medium for many artists. This period laid the foundation for its later applications in both fine art and illustration, influencing subsequent movements and styles.