Fra Bartolomeo

Italian Renaissance painter known for religious subjects, developing an idealized High Renaissance style.

Chronology: 1472 – 1517

Early Training and Spiritual Devotion

Fra Bartolomeo began his artistic journey in Florence, training under Cosimo Rosselli. His early career was marked by a profound spiritual influence, particularly from Savonarola, which led him to dedicate himself to the Dominican order, temporarily setting aside painting for several years.

The Zenith of High Renaissance Style

Upon resuming painting in 1504, Fra Bartolomeo developed an idealized High Renaissance style. This period saw him create works like the Vision of St Bernard, which displayed a seraphic grace in its figures and drapery, establishing him as a key figure whose style influenced contemporaries like Raphael.

A Legacy of Religious Artistry

Throughout his career, Fra Bartolomeo specialized in religious subjects, often depicting static groups of figures. His skill extended across both oil and fresco mediums, and he is also noted for producing some of the earliest pure landscape sketches by an Italian artist.

Source: Wikipedia