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.

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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

Manuel Ortiz de Zárate Pinto (1887 - 1946)
Manuel Ortiz de Zárate Pinto
1887 - 1946
Cincinnato Baruzzi (1796 - 1878)
Cincinnato Baruzzi
1796 - 1878
Aldo Tagliaferro (1936 - 2009)
Aldo Tagliaferro
1936 - 2009
Giorgio Valla (1447 - 1500)
Giorgio Valla
1447 - 1500
Orazio Cambiasi (Cambiaso) (1589)
Orazio Cambiasi (Cambiaso)
1589
Victor Brecheret (1894 - 1955)
Victor Brecheret
1894 - 1955
Boleslav Rusetsky (1824 - 1913)
Boleslav Rusetsky
1824 - 1913
Nikolai Nikolaevich Zhukov (1908 - 1973)
Nikolai Nikolaevich Zhukov
1908 - 1973
Roberto Bernardi (1974)
Roberto Bernardi
1974
Girolamo da Carpi (1501 - 1556)
Girolamo da Carpi
1501 - 1556
Tomaso Buzzi (1900 - 1981)
Tomaso Buzzi
1900 - 1981
Giuseppe Laezza (1835 - 1905)
Giuseppe Laezza
1835 - 1905
Gaspare Landi (1756 - 1830)
Gaspare Landi
1756 - 1830
Carletto Caliari (1570 - 1596)
Carletto Caliari
1570 - 1596
Gregorio di Cecco (1390 - 1424)
Gregorio di Cecco
1390 - 1424
Luigi Fergola (1768 - 1835)
Luigi Fergola
1768 - 1835

Creators Old Masters

Franz Joachim Beich (1665 - 1748)
Franz Joachim Beich
1665 - 1748
Georgios Klontzas (1535 - 1608)
Georgios Klontzas
1535 - 1608
Antonio Fantuzzi (1510 - 1550)
Antonio Fantuzzi
1510 - 1550
Agostino Carracci (1557 - 1602)
Agostino Carracci
1557 - 1602
 Master of the Augsburg Portraits of Painters (XV century - ?)
Master of the Augsburg Portraits of Painters
XV century - ?
Francesco Faraone Aquila (1676 - 1740)
Francesco Faraone Aquila
1676 - 1740
Gerard van Berleborch (1610 - 1660)
Gerard van Berleborch
1610 - 1660
Lorenzo di Credi (1459 - 1537)
Lorenzo di Credi
1459 - 1537
Johann Zick (1702 - 1762)
Johann Zick
1702 - 1762
Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen (1500 - 1559)
Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen
1500 - 1559
Niccolò Machiavelli (1469 - 1527)
Niccolò Machiavelli
1469 - 1527
Isaack Jacobsz. van Hooren (1610 - 1651)
Isaack Jacobsz. van Hooren
1610 - 1651
Francesco Salviati (1510 - 1563)
Francesco Salviati
1510 - 1563
Gerard de la Vallée (1596 - 1667)
Gerard de la Vallée
1596 - 1667
Sebastian Stoskopf (1597 - 1657)
Sebastian Stoskopf
1597 - 1657
Martino Altomonte (1657 - 1745)
Martino Altomonte
1657 - 1745