Simone Martini
Born – Siena, Italy c.1284
Died – Avignon, France 1344
After his teacher, Duccio, Martini was the most significant Sienese master of the fourteenth century. Unlike Duccio, who gave a solid, sculptural quality to his figures, Martini developed the International Gothic Style, with its emphasis on graceful, flowing lines and two-dimensionality. He won numerous commissions, including the prestigious frescoes for the Palazzo Pubblico at Siena and a painting of St Louis of Toulouse for his patron, the King of Anjou. With his brother-in-law, Lippo Memmi, he painted arguably his finest piece, The Annunciation of 1333. By 1340, he was established in the Franco-Italian enclave in Avignon – then the Papal seat – where he painted the unusual Christ Discovered in the Temple (detail). Mary and Joseph had spent several days frantically looking for Jesus, finally discovering him in the Temple where he had been discussing religion with the Elders. Here, Simone Martini attributes human emotion to sacred characters. Mary reasons with Jesus who, with arms folded, listens demurely but with a hint of defiance. Martini arranges the figures within this awkwardly shaped panel with the utmost ease and simplicity, creating a religious painting that is at once beautiful and moving.
Masterpieces:
- The Annunciation
- Portrait of Guidriccio da Fogliano
Text: The A-Z of Art, Nicola Hodge and Libby Anson.
Books About simone martini
Simone Martini (The Library of Great Masters)
Enrico Castelnuovo
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Simone Martini
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Simone Martini Complete Edition
Andrew Martindale
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