Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Altichiero da Verona

Altichiero da Verona was an Italian painter of the Gothic period, active during the 14th century. He was born in Verona, Italy, around 1330, and is best known for his remarkable frescoes that adorned public and religious buildings in Verona and Padua. Altichiero's works reflect the artistic style and cultural climate of his time, and he played a crucial role in the development of the Italian Renaissance painting.

Altichiero received his artistic training in Verona, where he was influenced by the works of the earlier Gothic painters, such as Giotto and Simone Martini. He was also exposed to the artistic advancements of the time through interactions with artists from various Italian regions, including Florence and Siena.

One of Altichiero's most renowned works is the fresco cycle in the Chapel of St. James in the Basilica of Sant'Anastasia in Verona. Executed between 1377 and 1384, this series of frescoes narrates episodes from the life of St. James, including his martyrdom and miracles. The frescoes showcase Altichiero's ability to convey dynamic compositions, expressive figures, and detailed architectural settings.

Altichiero's style is characterized by his attention to detail and the use of bright, vivid colors. His figures are rendered with naturalistic proportions and gestures, exhibiting a sense of depth and volume. The architectural elements in his paintings are meticulously rendered, showcasing his understanding of perspective.

Another significant work by Altichiero is the fresco cycle in the Oratorio di San Giorgio in Padua. Executed between 1379 and 1384, these frescoes depict scenes from the life of St. George, including his legendary defeat of the dragon. The cycle exemplifies Altichiero's skill in narrative storytelling, his mastery of color, and his ability to create a sense of drama and movement.

Altichiero's contributions to the field of painting extended beyond frescoes. He also painted panel paintings, although few of these survive today. One of his notable panel paintings is the Madonna and Child Enthroned with Four Angels, housed in the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan. This work displays Altichiero's ability to capture tenderness and grace in his figures, with the Madonna and Child presented in a majestic and serene manner.

Altichiero's impact on the art of his time is significant, particularly in his role in the transition from the Gothic to the Renaissance style. His works laid the foundation for the development of later artists, such as Andrea Mantegna and Jacopo Bellini, who further refined the principles of perspective and naturalism.

Despite his considerable influence and artistic skill, Altichiero's fame was overshadowed by his contemporaries, such as Giotto and the Paduan painter Giusto de' Menabuoi. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Altichiero's works, and his contributions to the artistic heritage of Italy are now being appreciated and recognized.

Altichiero da Verona's paintings continue to captivate viewers with their vibrant colors, detailed compositions, and emotive storytelling. His ability to combine the Gothic tradition with the emerging ideas of the Italian Renaissance makes him an important figure in the history of Italian art. Altichiero's works serve as a testament to the cultural and artistic richness of the 14th century and stand as enduring examples of his talent and contribution to the development of Italian painting.

CAREER:

His career commenced in Verona ,where it is said that he stayed for several years,albeit not much of his works in this period is known. He shifted to Padua in the year 1370 at the invitation of Duke Francesco I Carrara,for whom he painted frescoes in Sala dei Giganti and the Palazzo del Capitano. Presently ,of his surviving works, two of his main frescoes cycles are seen in Padua.

The first series is the depiction of the Crucifixion and situations from the Life of St James,which adorns the Chapel of San Felice in the Basilica of San Antonio. The second cycle is portrayal of the lives of St. George and other saints, which adorns the Cappella di San Giorgio close by.The Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua is also adorned with frescoes done by this Italian painter.

WORKS OF ALTICHIERO DA VERONA: