Italian Artists

Considering that Italy is renowned for its beautiful architecture and stunning artwork, it’s no surprise at all to hear that some of the most famous artists in the world originate from Italy. Italian art, just as with any art, has been changed drastically throughout history. Traditional Italian art is mainly characterized by warm colors and light ? with many paintings representing religious figures and motifs. Italian art was the most prominent throughout Europe for hundreds of years ? and many famous Italian artists lived through the Gothic and Medieval times, but Italian art truly flourished during the Renaissance.

For a short period after the Renaissance period, Italy saw a decline in its artistic authority in Europe due to political matters ? but later during the 20th century, through the works of Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla, Italy reclaimed its title as the art capital of Europe. Most people have heard about Leonardo Da Vinci and his most famous painting (The Mona Lisa) ? well, he was just one of the most influential artists that originated from Italy. Let’s take a look at a few more famous Italian artists:

Leonardo Da Vinci

Most people already know about Leonardo Da Vinci and his famous painting (The Mona Lisa) ? but Da Vinci was not only a painter, but also a: sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, cartographer, geologist, botanist and writer. Leonardo Da Vinci was prominent during the Renaissance period and contributed much to Italy’s respect as the art capital of Europe. Da Vinci is not only famous in Italy, but he is also renowned worldwide for his amazing capability ? some people even argue that he wasn’t just the greatest Italian painter, but the greatest painter of all time. One thing is for sure though; Da Vinci is probably the most diversely talented individual to ever have lived.

Massacio

Massacio is considered by many as one of the most influential artists of the Renaissance. Massacio lived a very short life (born 1404; died 1428) ? and in his 27 years on Earth, he developed a new style of painting that gave the viewer an altered perspective ultimately creating an illusion of three-dimensions. His style of art was considered revolutionary considering that all other part previous to it followed the flat style of painting. Masaccio’s most famous painting is located in the Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence.

Donatello

Donatello lived a very fulfilling life ? in fact, he lived to be a 100 years old. Donatello is also regarded as one of the most influential painters of the Renaissance ? he’s famous for many paintings and sculptures including the one of David located in Florence. Donatello, like Massacio, was also working with the idea of viewer perspective ? although his method was sculpture, he can be commended for bringing dramatic shapes to life.

Michelangelo Buonarroti

Michelangelo is credited for creating two of the world’s best statues ? the emotional Pieta and the gigantic David. He lived for a total of 89 years (1475-1564) and for many of those years he worked on the frescoes that to this day decorate the Sistine Chapel.