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

Antonio Molinari (1655 - 1704)
Antonio Molinari
1655 - 1704
Michele Rocca (da Parma) (1671 - 1751)
Michele Rocca (da Parma)
1671 - 1751
Werner Gilles (1894 - 1961)
Werner Gilles
1894 - 1961
Jan van Bijlert (1597 - 1671)
Jan van Bijlert
1597 - 1671
Massimo Campigli (1895 - 1971)
Massimo Campigli
1895 - 1971
Giuseppe Passeri (1654 - 1714)
Giuseppe Passeri
1654 - 1714
Nicola de Maria (1954)
Nicola de Maria
1954
Ercole Setti (1530 - 1618)
Ercole Setti
1530 - 1618
Bernardo Bellotto (1721 - 1780)
Bernardo Bellotto
1721 - 1780
 Erro (1932)
Erro
1932
Girolamo Pieri Nerli (1860 - 1926)
Girolamo Pieri Nerli
1860 - 1926
Elisabetta Sirani (1638 - 1665)
Elisabetta Sirani
1638 - 1665
Michele Cammarano (1835 - 1920)
Michele Cammarano
1835 - 1920
Alberto Rizzo (1931 - 2004)
Alberto Rizzo
1931 - 2004
Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo (1480 - 1540)
Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo
1480 - 1540
Carlo Maria Mariani (1931 - 2021)
Carlo Maria Mariani
1931 - 2021

Creators Old Masters

Victor Wolfvoet II (1612 - 1652)
Victor Wolfvoet II
1612 - 1652
Andrea del Sarto (1486 - 1530)
Andrea del Sarto
1486 - 1530
Judith Jans Leyster (1609 - 1660)
Judith Jans Leyster
1609 - 1660
Adriaen van Salm (1660 - 1720)
Adriaen van Salm
1660 - 1720
Giovanni Battista Pasqualini (1595 - 1631)
Giovanni Battista Pasqualini
1595 - 1631
Jan Polack (1435 - 1519)
Jan Polack
1435 - 1519
Ary Huybertsz. Verveer (1620 - 1680)
Ary Huybertsz. Verveer
1620 - 1680
Hans Bol (1534 - 1593)
Hans Bol
1534 - 1593
 Monogrammist L.C. (XVI century - ?)
Monogrammist L.C.
XVI century - ?
Juste d'Egmont (1601 - 1674)
Juste d'Egmont
1601 - 1674
Michele Tosini (1503 - 1577)
Michele Tosini
1503 - 1577
Carlo Saraceni (1579 - 1620)
Carlo Saraceni
1579 - 1620
Bartholomeus van Bassen (1590 - 1652)
Bartholomeus van Bassen
1590 - 1652
Anthonie Palamedesz (1601 - 1673)
Anthonie Palamedesz
1601 - 1673
Federico Barocci (1535 - 1612)
Federico Barocci
1535 - 1612
Jan Dirksz Both (1618 - 1652)
Jan Dirksz Both
1618 - 1652
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