Cimabue (1240 - 1302) - photo 1

Cimabue

Cimabue, a preeminent Italian painter and mosaicist from the late 13th century, remains a pivotal figure in the transition from the Byzantine to the early Renaissance art style. Born before 1251 and passing in 1302, his works are celebrated for their innovative departure from the Italo-Byzantine conventions, introducing more naturalistic forms and expressions into Western European painting. This transformative approach is evident in his frescoes in the Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi, and the Santa Trinita 'Maestà' now housed in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Cimabue's significance in art history is underscored by his role in laying the groundwork for the evolution of Italian painting, marking a critical moment when artists began exploring the depiction of three-dimensional space and the naturalistic rendering of forms. His influence extended to his contemporaries and successors, notably Giotto, who is often credited with advancing the Renaissance style that Cimabue initiated.

One of Cimabue's most notable works, the Santa Trinita 'Maestà', exemplifies his mature style with its refined use of perspective and more humanistic portrayal of figures, moving away from the rigid Byzantine models. This painting, alongside his frescoes in Assisi and the mosaic of 'Saint John the Evangelist' in Pisa's cathedral, demonstrates his pioneering role in the early Italian Renaissance. Despite being eventually eclipsed by Giotto, Cimabue's legacy as a bridge between Byzantine traditions and the nascent Renaissance cannot be understated.

Cimabue's artwork not only represents a crucial pivot in art history but also continues to captivate collectors and experts in art and antiques for its historical significance and the foundational role it played in the development of Western art. For those keen on exploring the origins of Renaissance art, Cimabue's works offer invaluable insights into the period's artistic evolution.

For aficionados and connoisseurs deeply engaged in the realms of art history and antique collection, particularly those with a keen interest in the seminal period that bridges the Byzantine and Renaissance eras, staying informed on Cimabue's artistic legacy is invaluable. To this end, we cordially invite you to subscribe to our dedicated updates. This subscription service is designed to provide enthusiasts with exclusive notifications about new discoveries, forthcoming sales, and prestigious auction events directly related to Cimabue's remarkable oeuvre. Engage with us to ensure you remain at the forefront of significant developments and opportunities to enhance your collection with works from this foundational figure in art history.

Date and place of birt:1240, Florence, Italy
Date and place of death:1302, Pisa, Italy
Nationality:Italy
Period of activity: XIII, XIV century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:Florentine School
Genre:Religious genre
Art style:Proto-Renaissance, Old Masters
Technique:Fresco, Mosaic

Creators Italy

Andrea Brustolon (1662 - 1732)
Andrea Brustolon
1662 - 1732
Domenico Durante (1879 - 1944)
Domenico Durante
1879 - 1944
Federico Zandomeneghi (1841 - 1917)
Federico Zandomeneghi
1841 - 1917
 Domenichino (1581 - 1641)
Domenichino
1581 - 1641
 Giandante X (1899 - 1984)
Giandante X
1899 - 1984
Theodoric Borgognoni (1205 - 1296)
Theodoric Borgognoni
1205 - 1296
Martin Verstappen (1773 - 1852)
Martin Verstappen
1773 - 1852
Angelika Kauffmann (1741 - 1807)
Angelika Kauffmann
1741 - 1807
Eduard Ender (1822 - 1883)
Eduard Ender
1822 - 1883
Lucio Fontana (1899 - 1968)
Lucio Fontana
1899 - 1968
Jannis Kounellis (1936 - 2017)
Jannis Kounellis
1936 - 2017
Jacopo Vigneri ()
Jacopo Vigneri
Edmund Ludwig Eduard Wodick (1816 - 1886)
Edmund Ludwig Eduard Wodick
1816 - 1886
Emile-Francois David (1824 - 1891)
Emile-Francois David
1824 - 1891
Richard von Hagn (1850 - 1933)
Richard von Hagn
1850 - 1933
Gigi Comolli (1893 - 1976)
Gigi Comolli
1893 - 1976

Creators Old Masters

Claude Lorrain (1600 - 1682)
Claude Lorrain
1600 - 1682
Alexander Adriaenssen (1587 - 1661)
Alexander Adriaenssen
1587 - 1661
Philips Wouwerman (1619 - 1668)
Philips Wouwerman
1619 - 1668
Hendrick van Steenwijk II (1580 - 1649)
Hendrick van Steenwijk II
1580 - 1649
Pier Dandini (1646 - 1712)
Pier Dandini
1646 - 1712
Juste de Juste (1505 - 1559)
Juste de Juste
1505 - 1559
Arnold Boonen (1669 - 1729)
Arnold Boonen
1669 - 1729
Egbert van Heemskerck II (1634 - 1704)
Egbert van Heemskerck II
1634 - 1704
Arnold van Ravesteyn (1605 - 1690)
Arnold van Ravesteyn
1605 - 1690
Isaak Soreau (1604 - 1645)
Isaak Soreau
1604 - 1645
Pieter van Laer (1599 - 1642)
Pieter van Laer
1599 - 1642
Justus Danckerts I (1635 - 1701)
Justus Danckerts I
1635 - 1701
Pieter Cosyn (1630 - 1677)
Pieter Cosyn
1630 - 1677
Charles Poerson (1609 - 1667)
Charles Poerson
1609 - 1667
Moyses van Uyttenbroeck (1600 - 1646)
Moyses van Uyttenbroeck
1600 - 1646
Barnaba da Modena (1328 - 1386)
Barnaba da Modena
1328 - 1386
× Create a Search Subscription