Masaccio was a crucial painter who came very early on in the rise of the Renaissance and as such his influence was even more substantial. Much of what Masaccio delivered gave ideas to artists who followed on afterwards.
Giorgione was another artist who came later and this article compares the two and discusses their qualities as artists, when set against the highly significant movement which was to effect so much of what we enjoy in the art world today.
Italian art has given us so much since the early days of the Renaissance where it dominated for centuries, with skilled artists consistently passing on their honed skills to the next generation via city based art schools.
Whilst artists such as Raphael came in late and incorporated much of what had gone before into their own work, Masaccio and others from that early period, were so important in breaking ground and giving us all this innovation.
Masaccio paintings therefore seem somewhat raw on first inspection but when compared to other art from that period, it is easy to see why his career has become so well respected and even remains in our thoughts today, many centuries later. Learn more about Giorgione at Giorgione.net. Artist Masaccio is also discussed at Masaccio.net.
Adam and Eve, Dispute with Simon Mago, First Bishop of Antioch, Healing of the Cripple, Holy Trinity Fresco are good examples of the achievements made by Masaccio during his bold career.
Giorgione came a little later on when this art movement was really building momentum and it was about that time that other great masters were beginning to surface such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
These two are considered the biggest highlights of the whole period.
The Tempest, The Test of Fire of Moses, The Judgement of Salomon, Judith, Adoration of the Shepherds, Madonna and Child Enthroned between St. Francis and St. Nicasius, Portrait of a Young Bride (Laura) and La Vecchia (Old Woman) are just some of the great work by Giorgione.
Look for more on these impressive artists when you get the chance as there is plenty more to see from Giorgione and Masaccio whose careers were long and varied. Thankfully, much of their work remains intact and available to view with in national and local galleries across Italy.
