Early Life and Training
Bernardino Luini, a prominent North Italian painter, was born in Runo, near Lake Maggiore, around 1480. His early life is not well-documented, but it is known that he moved to Milan with his father in 1500. According to some sources, Luini trained under Giovan Stefano Scotto, while others suggest he was a pupil of Ambrogio Bergognone.
Artistic Style and Influences
Luini's work was heavily influenced by
Leonardo da Vinci, with whom he is believed to have worked directly. This influence can be seen in his use of sfumato, a technique that creates a soft, hazy effect by layering thin glazes of paint. Luini's style also reflects the Mannerism movement, characterized by its dramatic and emotional qualities.
Notable Works
*
Adoration of the Magi (c. 1505) in San Pietro, Luino
*
St. Anthony of Padua (1510s) in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, influenced by Bernardino Zenale's Cantù Polyptych
*
Frescoes for Villa Pelucca (1509-1514), now in the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan
Museum Collections and Online Resources
*
Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan: Features several of Luini's works, including his frescoes for Villa Pelucca.
*
WahooArt.com: Bernardino Luini: Offers a comprehensive collection of Luini's artworks, including high-quality reproductions and detailed information.
- Discover more about Luini's life and works on Wikipedia
- Explore the Museum Duomo of Siena, Italy, which houses some of the most beautiful and significant art pieces from the Middle Ages, including works by Luini's contemporaries.
- Learn about the Mannerism Art Movement, a style that emerged in the 16th century in Italy and spread throughout Europe, characterized by its dramatic and emotional qualities.
Legacy
Luini's contributions to North Italian painting are undeniable. His work, marked by its
graceful female figures with elongated eyes, known as "Luinesque," has been widely admired and emulated. Luini's son, Aurelio, also became an accomplished painter, continuing the family's artistic legacy.
Important Dates:
* Born: c. 1480, Runo, Italy
* Died: June 1532, Milan, Italy