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

Ercole Setti (1530 - 1618)
Ercole Setti
1530 - 1618
Attilio Castiglioni (1928 - 1990)
Attilio Castiglioni
1928 - 1990
Francesco Bertos (1678 - 1741)
Francesco Bertos
1678 - 1741
Valentino Vago (1931 - 2018)
Valentino Vago
1931 - 2018
Giuseppe Vicenzino (1662 - 1700)
Giuseppe Vicenzino
1662 - 1700
Saverio della Gatta (1758 - 1829)
Saverio della Gatta
1758 - 1829
Arnoldo Zocchi (1862 - 1940)
Arnoldo Zocchi
1862 - 1940
Renzo Vespignani (1924 - 2001)
Renzo Vespignani
1924 - 2001
Ernesta Beezy (1788 - 1859)
Ernesta Beezy
1788 - 1859
Andrea Salvatore Aglio (1736 - 1786)
Andrea Salvatore Aglio
1736 - 1786
Francesco Primaticcio (1503 - 1570)
Francesco Primaticcio
1503 - 1570
Giovanni Battista Crosato (1685 - 1758)
Giovanni Battista Crosato
1685 - 1758
Ugo La Pietra (1938)
Ugo La Pietra
1938
Agenore Fabbri (1911 - 1998)
Agenore Fabbri
1911 - 1998
Julius de Blaas (1845 - 1923)
Julius de Blaas
1845 - 1923
Paolo Porpora (1617 - 1673)
Paolo Porpora
1617 - 1673

Creators Old Masters

Carel Fabritius (1622 - 1654)
Carel Fabritius
1622 - 1654
Carl Sebastian von Bemmel (1743 - 1796)
Carl Sebastian von Bemmel
1743 - 1796
John Milton (1608 - 1674)
John Milton
1608 - 1674
Jan Baptist Lambrechts (1680 - 1731)
Jan Baptist Lambrechts
1680 - 1731
Franco dei Russi (1453 - 1482)
Franco dei Russi
1453 - 1482
H.J. Hoet (XVIII century - ?)
H.J. Hoet
XVIII century - ?
Donato Creti (1671 - 1749)
Donato Creti
1671 - 1749
Antonio Gianlisi II (1677 - 1727)
Antonio Gianlisi II
1677 - 1727
Jan van Bijlert (1597 - 1671)
Jan van Bijlert
1597 - 1671
Sigismondo Foschi (1495 - 1536)
Sigismondo Foschi
1495 - 1536
Frans Francken II (1581 - 1642)
Frans Francken II
1581 - 1642
Hans Vredeman de Vries (1527 - 1609)
Hans Vredeman de Vries
1527 - 1609
Juste d'Egmont (1601 - 1674)
Juste d'Egmont
1601 - 1674
Lazzaro Bastiani (1429 - 1512)
Lazzaro Bastiani
1429 - 1512
Mattia Preti (1613 - 1699)
Mattia Preti
1613 - 1699
Philippe de Champaigne (1602 - 1674)
Philippe de Champaigne
1602 - 1674
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