Antonello da Messina (1430 - 1479)

Antonello da Messina (1430 - 1479) - photo 1

Antonello da Messina

Antonello da Messina, a preeminent Italian painter born around 1430 in Messina, Sicily, left an indelible mark on the art world with his pioneering techniques and emotive works. He is primarily recognized for his profound influence on Venetian painting during the Renaissance, although his reach extended far beyond Venice​.

Antonello da Messina's early work, thriving with eclectic influences from Flemish, Catalan, and Provençal elements, reflects the diverse artistic culture of southern Italy. His journey took a significant turn with his move to Venice around 1475, where he not only embraced but also enhanced the art of portraiture. He brought a new depth to this genre, showcasing his subjects in three-quarter views against dark backgrounds, a striking departure from the prevalent profile portraits of the time​​​​.

In Venice, Antonello da Messina's work began to exhibit a greater focus on the human figure in terms of anatomy and expressivity. This shift is notably seen in his masterpiece, the St. Sebastian, which skillfully blends the human form with a backdrop of Venetian life. His time in Venice was also crucial for his development in religious art, as seen in his works like the Virgin Annunciate and the San Cassiano Altarpiece. These pieces were pivotal in evolving the sacra conversazione format, which later inspired artists like Giovanni Bellini​​​​.

Antonello da Messina's legacy is particularly prominent in his approach to religious themes. His depiction of Christ and the Virgin Mary are characterized by a palpable realism, with figures extending into the viewer's space, blurring the lines between the sacred and the secular. This innovative style had a profound impact on the development of European painting, setting the stage for the emotive and realistic portrayal of religious figures​​.

Antonello da Messina's artistic journey was marked by his ability to blend Italian simplicity with a Flemish focus on detail. His works, particularly his portraits, showcased a psychological depth that was ahead of his time. The legacy of his techniques, particularly in oil painting and the psychological dimension he lent to his works, continued through his family, notably his son Jacobello​​​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, the works of Antonello da Messina offer a unique insight into the evolution of Renaissance art, especially in the realms of portraiture and religious painting. His contributions have cemented his place as a master of the Renaissance era.

If you are keen on staying informed about new sales and auction events related to Antonello da Messina, consider signing up for updates. This service is dedicated to providing alerts on new product sales and auction events related to his works, ensuring that enthusiasts and collectors don't miss out on acquiring a piece of Renaissance art history.

Date and place of birt:1430, Messina, Italy
Date and place of death:1479, Messina, Italy
Nationality:Italy
Period of activity: XV century
Specialization:Artist, Painter, Portraitist
Art school / group:Venetian school
Genre:Portrait, Religious genre
Art style:Renaissance, Old Masters

Creators Italy

Filippino Lippi (1457 - 1504)
Filippino Lippi
1457 - 1504
Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo (1480 - 1540)
Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo
1480 - 1540
Luigi Marengo (1928 - 2010)
Luigi Marengo
1928 - 2010
Pietro Antonio Rotari (1707 - 1762)
Pietro Antonio Rotari
1707 - 1762
Gianni Caravaggio (1968)
Gianni Caravaggio
1968
Giulio Bucci (1711 - 1776)
Giulio Bucci
1711 - 1776
Evgeniya Alexandrovna Lang (1890 - 1973)
Evgeniya Alexandrovna Lang
1890 - 1973
Rembrandt Bugatti (1884 - 1916)
Rembrandt Bugatti
1884 - 1916
Agostino Masucci (1691 - 1758)
Agostino Masucci
1691 - 1758
Giovanni Antonio Grecolini (1675 - 1725)
Giovanni Antonio Grecolini
1675 - 1725
Antonietta Brandeis (1848 - 1926)
Antonietta Brandeis
1848 - 1926
Joachim of Fiore (1135 - 1202)
Joachim of Fiore
1135 - 1202
Elio Schiavon (1925 - 2004)
Elio Schiavon
1925 - 2004
Priamo della Quercia (1400 - 1467)
Priamo della Quercia
1400 - 1467
Villi Bossi (1939)
Villi Bossi
1939
Leonardo Cremonini (1925 - 2010)
Leonardo Cremonini
1925 - 2010

Creators Old Masters

Christoph Amberger (1505 - 1562)
Christoph Amberger
1505 - 1562
Jacob Adriaensz Backer (1608 - 1651)
Jacob Adriaensz Backer
1608 - 1651
Rombout van Troyen (1605 - 1657)
Rombout van Troyen
1605 - 1657
Johannes Wierix (1549 - 1620)
Johannes Wierix
1549 - 1620
Christiaen van Couwenbergh (1604 - 1667)
Christiaen van Couwenbergh
1604 - 1667
Giacomo Valegio (XVI century - XVI century)
Giacomo Valegio
XVI century - XVI century
Jan Brueghel I (1568 - 1625)
Jan Brueghel I
1568 - 1625
Niccolò Machiavelli (1469 - 1527)
Niccolò Machiavelli
1469 - 1527
Martin Schongauer (1448 - 1491)
Martin Schongauer
1448 - 1491
Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi (1606 - 1680)
Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi
1606 - 1680
Francesco Furini (1600 - 1646)
Francesco Furini
1600 - 1646
Paulus Potter (1625 - 1654)
Paulus Potter
1625 - 1654
Jan Boeckhorst (1604 - 1668)
Jan Boeckhorst
1604 - 1668
Emmanuel Tzanes (1637 - 1694)
Emmanuel Tzanes
1637 - 1694
Hermannus Collenius (1650 - 1723)
Hermannus Collenius
1650 - 1723
Juan Ruiz (XVII century - ?)
Juan Ruiz
XVII century - ?
× Create a Search Subscription