The quality of portraying real figures in real pictorial space is a distinct Renaissance characteristic.  Ironically, the invention of mathematical rules for correct perspective came not from a painter, but from Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446), who was trained as a goldsmith.  Brunelleschi made at least two paintings in correct perspective, but is best remembered for designing buildings and over-seeing the building works.  Unfortunately, no writings on perspective by Brunelleschi have survived, and it is entirely possible that he in fact never wrote anything on the subject.