Breaking the Italo-Byzantine Style
Cimabue, born around 1240 and passing in 1302, was an influential Italian painter and mosaic designer from Florence, also known as
Cenni di Pepo. A pioneer in breaking from the Italo-Byzantine style, Cimabue is celebrated for introducing more lifelike proportions and shading in his work, marking a significant shift towards realism in medieval art.
Early Life and Training
Little is known about Cimabue's early life. One source that recounts his career is Giorgio Vasari's
Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, but its accuracy is uncertain. He was born in Florence and died in Pisa. According to art historian Pietro Toesca, Cimabue's earliest attributed work, the Crucifixion in the church of
San Domenico in Arezzo, dates around 1270 and showcases a departure from the Byzantine style.
Notable Works
* Maestà (originally displayed in the church of
San Francesco at Pisa, now at the Louvre): This work established a style that was followed subsequently by numerous artists, including
Duccio di Buoninsegna in his
Rucellai Madonna (in the past, wrongly attributed to Cimabue).
* Flagellation (
Frick Collection): A workshop painting that perhaps assignable to a slightly later period.
* Mosaics for the
Baptistery of Florence (now largely restored): Now in poor condition due to oxidation of the brighter colors.
Influence and Legacy
Cimabue's artistry played a crucial role in the transition from Byzantine to more realistic representations in Italian painting, and his influence on subsequent artists was profound. His works, characterized by a blend of traditional and innovative techniques, mark an important chapter in the history of art, bridging the gap between medieval and Renaissance styles.
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