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

Giuseppe Spagnulo (1936 - 2016)
Giuseppe Spagnulo
1936 - 2016
Pompeo Mariani (1857 - 1927)
Pompeo Mariani
1857 - 1927
Gottfried Wals (1595 - 1638)
Gottfried Wals
1595 - 1638
Cristoforo Munari (1667 - 1720)
Cristoforo Munari
1667 - 1720
Dominic Serres (1722 - 1793)
Dominic Serres
1722 - 1793
Francesco Noletti (1611 - 1654)
Francesco Noletti
1611 - 1654
Lorenzo Guerrini (1914 - 2002)
Lorenzo Guerrini
1914 - 2002
Emilio Giuseppe Dossena (1903 - 1987)
Emilio Giuseppe Dossena
1903 - 1987
Jean-Joseph Taillasson (1745 - 1809)
Jean-Joseph Taillasson
1745 - 1809
Orazio Marinali (1643 - 1720)
Orazio Marinali
1643 - 1720
Giovanni Andrea Sirani (1610 - 1670)
Giovanni Andrea Sirani
1610 - 1670
Rinaldo Da Siena (XIII century - ?)
Rinaldo Da Siena
XIII century - ?
Giacomo del Pò (1654 - 1726)
Giacomo del Pò
1654 - 1726
Bartolomeo Pinelli (1781 - 1835)
Bartolomeo Pinelli
1781 - 1835
Martinus Christian Wesseltoft Rørbye (1803 - 1848)
Martinus Christian Wesseltoft Rørbye
1803 - 1848
Giuseppe Chiacigh (1895 - 1968)
Giuseppe Chiacigh
1895 - 1968

Creators Old Masters

Bartolomeo Ramenghi (1484 - 1542)
Bartolomeo Ramenghi
1484 - 1542
Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898 - 1972)
Maurits Cornelis Escher
1898 - 1972
Giovanni Battista Castello (1509 - 1569)
Giovanni Battista Castello
1509 - 1569
Jacob Willemsz. de Wet (1610 - 1671)
Jacob Willemsz. de Wet
1610 - 1671
Francesco Cozza (1605 - 1682)
Francesco Cozza
1605 - 1682
Carlo Antonio Tavella (1668 - 1738)
Carlo Antonio Tavella
1668 - 1738
Paul Bril (1554 - 1626)
Paul Bril
1554 - 1626
Nikolaos Tzafouris (1468 - 1501)
Nikolaos Tzafouris
1468 - 1501
Hendrick van Steenwijk II (1580 - 1649)
Hendrick van Steenwijk II
1580 - 1649
Pieter de Ring (1615 - 1660)
Pieter de Ring
1615 - 1660
Jacob Biltius (1633 - 1681)
Jacob Biltius
1633 - 1681
Antonios Papadopoulos (1439 - 1481)
Antonios Papadopoulos
1439 - 1481
Jan Griffier II (1688 - 1750)
Jan Griffier II
1688 - 1750
Bartholomeus van Bassen (1590 - 1652)
Bartholomeus van Bassen
1590 - 1652
Lorenzo di Credi (1459 - 1537)
Lorenzo di Credi
1459 - 1537
Francesco de Mura (1696 - 1782)
Francesco de Mura
1696 - 1782