Early Life and Training
Sebastiano del Piombo, an Italian painter from the High Renaissance, left an indelible mark on the art world with his unique blend of Venetian color and Roman monumental forms. Born in Venice around 1485, Sebastiano's early life is shrouded in mystery, but it is known that he began training as a painter at a relatively late age, becoming a pupil of Giorgione (1477/78 or 1473/74 - 1510), a prominent High Renaissance painter from the Venetian school.
Rise to Prominence in Rome
Sebastiano's career gained momentum after he moved to Rome in 1511, where he worked alongside Raphael and eventually became one of the few painters to get on well with Michelangelo, who encouraged him to compete for commissions against Raphael. This exposure led Sebastiano to become Rome's leading painter after Raphael's death in 1520.
Notable Works and Collaborations
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The Three Philosophers (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Wien, Austria), a collaboration with Giorgione, showcases Sebastiano's unique style.
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Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law (detail) (Madonna dell'Orto, Venice, Italy) demonstrates his mastery of oil on canvas.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being a major artist of his time, Sebastiano del Piombo's influence on other artists was limited by his lack of prominent pupils and the relatively few disseminations of his works in print copies. However, his unique blend of Venetian color and Roman monumental forms continues to inspire art enthusiasts.
Key Dates:
* Born: c. 1485, Venice
* Died: June 21, 1547
* Notable collaboration:
The Three Philosophers, with Giorgione (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Wien, Austria)