Ambrogio Lorezetti is one of the greatest artists in world culture. He lived and created his works in Italian Siena in the 14th century. But even today, his work has not yet been fully studied.
Artist Biography
The exact date of the birth of Ambrogio Lorenzetti is unknown. Researchers are inclined to believe that this happened between 1295 and 1305. His older brother Pietro was also a famous painter.
As early as 1320, the young Ambrogio was admitted to the Florentine guild of artists. Contemporaries described him as an educated, versatile person with many talents. In addition to painting, he was also engaged in literary work. And he enjoyed great success.
Ambrogio's life and work are closely connected with the Italian city of Siena. It was for the local cathedrals that he painted his best murals. It is also known that in 1321 the artist visited Florence. Written evidence of this has been preserved. True, these documents are debt certificates.
In 1330, Ambrogio, albeit not quite officially, became the main artist of the Siena government. Both Lorenzetti brothers died of the plague in 1348. Then this disease destroyed many residents of Siena and the rest of Italy.
Impact on creativity
Since Ambrogio Lorenzetti was one of the most educated people of his time, he could not pass by the ancient art. Sculptures and frescoes from Greece and Rome made a great impression on him and significantly influenced his work.
Another strong impression on the young artist was made by the Italian painter Giotto. Imitating him, Ambrogio began to pay considerable attention to portraying perspectives. It was very bold, because in those days artists were just beginning to think about organizing the space of the picture.
The prospect of Lorenzetti is more simplified compared to the modern one. But he significantly surpassed the artists of his century in the image of the volume and depth of space. In addition, the figures of people in the paintings are depicted in natural poses and filled with drama.
Art Innovation
The desire for innovation and realism is already noticeable in the first signed and dated painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti "Madonna and Child" of 1319. In the majestic pose of the Mother of God, the artist’s passion for Byzantine iconography is felt. But the volume and monumentality of the figure looks quite modern.
In this early work the potential of the artist was not yet revealed. In the future, he filled his work with vivid psychologism.
The famous Siena painter is far ahead of his time, not only due to his success in portraying perspectives. His works were so innovative that customers often asked to redo everything in accordance with their more familiar canons.
One example of such a bold approach to portraying religious subjects is the Madonna of the Mammoth by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, written between 1325 and 1348. On it the Virgin and Child are depicted in a secular manner: very lively and expressive. The viewer can imagine the character of each character: both a healthy playful child and an affectionate mother, more like a simple Italian.
Smart board
In addition to religious subjects, the Italian master paid attention to social ones. "Allegory of Good Government" by Ambrogio Lorenzetti - the most famous and significant work of the artist. This fresco was created from 1337 to 1339 to decorate the premises of the Siena government - Hall of the Nine in the Palazzo Publico.
In the fourteenth century, the topic of rational government, bringing good and prosperity to the subjects of the state, was widely discussed in society. It was her in allegorical form that the artist illuminated.
The work is a cycle of six frescoes that depict the consequences of good and bad governance of the country. These are sketches of funny and dramatic situations against the backdrop of urban and rural landscapes. Unfortunately, many fragments dilapidated at the end of the XIV century and, despite regular restoration, were not fully preserved.
Lorenzetti in allegorical form depicts the results of rational rule: peace, prosperity, the development of culture. At the same time, the consequences of poor governance are chaos, war, and destruction. In the cycle of frescoes, the master does not use religious motives and biblical comparisons. It was a very bold and unexpected decision for that time.
Place in history
Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti became one of the most prominent representatives of the Siena school of painting along with Duccio di Buoninsenia, Francesco di Giorgio and Simone Martini. These artists skillfully mixed the features of the Venetian, Renaissance and Gothic manner of depiction.
Lorenzetti with his work gave a powerful impetus to the further development of world art. His work with three-dimensional picture space, volume and palette helped followers to better understand the perspective.
He brought unexpected realism and liveliness to classic bible plots. Such great artists as Rafael Santi and Sandro Botticelli subsequently looked back at his skill.