Early Life and Training
Domenico di Tommaso Curradi di Doffo Bigordi, known as
Domenico Ghirlandaio, was an Italian Renaissance painter born in Florence, Italy (1449-1494). He was part of the so-called "third generation" of the Florentine Renaissance, along with Verrocchio, the Pollaiolo brothers, and Sandro Botticelli.
Ghirlandaio's early life is marked by his apprenticeship to his father, a goldsmith, where he developed his skills in creating metallic garland-like headdresses worn by Florentine women. This led to his nickname "Il Ghirlandaio" (garland-maker). He later studied painting and mosaic under Alesso Baldovinetti.
Artistic Career
Ghirlandaio's artistic career is characterized by his exceptional talent in depicting contemporary life and portraits within religious narratives. This brought him great popularity and numerous large commissions. His workshop, which included his brothers Davide and Benedetto Ghirlandaio, was highly efficient and productive.
- Ghirlandaio's notable works include the fresco cycles in the Sassetti Chapel of Santa Trinita (1482-1485) and the Vocation of the Apostles in the Sistine Chapel (1483).
- His style is marked by his ability to posit depictions of contemporary life within religious narratives, bringing a sense of realism to his work.
- Ghirlandaio's future brother-in-law, Sebastiano Mainardi, assisted him with these commissions and in the early frescoes at San Gimignano.
Notable Works and Legacy
Museums and Collections
Key Art Movements: Italian Renaissance, Early Renaissance
Notable Artists: Verrocchio, Sandro Botticelli, Sebastiano Mainardi
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