Il Moretto da Brescia

Background

Il Moretto da Brescia was born about 1498, at Rovato, in the Brescian territory.

Education

Brescia studied, first under Fioravante Ferramola of Brescia, afterwards, still youthful, with Titian in Venice.

Career

His own earlier method, specially distinguished by excellent portrait-painting, was naturally modelled on that of Titian. Afterwards he conceived a great enthusiasm for Raphael (though he does not appear to have ever gone to Rome), and his style became partially Raphaelesque. It was, however, novel in its combination of diverse elements, and highly attractive—with fine pencilling, a rich yet not lavish use of perspective and decorative effects, and an elegant opposition of light and shade. The human figure is somewhat slender in Brescia's paintings, the expression earnestly religious, the flesh-tints varied, more so than was common in the Venetian school. The backgrounds are generally luminous, and the draperies well modified in red and yellow tints with little inter-mixture of blue. The depth of Brescia's talent, however, was hardly in proportion to its vigour and vivacity; and he excelled more in sedate altarpieces than in subjects of action, and more in oil-painting than in fresco, although some fine series of his frescoes remain, especially that in the villa Martinengo at Novarino, near Brescia. Among his celebrated works in the city are—in the church of S. Clemente, the "Five Virgin Martyrs, " and the "Assumption of the Madonna" (this latter may count as his masterpiece); in S. Nazaro e Celso, the "Coro-nation of the Madonna"; in S. Maria della Grazie, "St Joseph"; in S. Maria de' Miracoli, "St. Nicholas of Bari. " In the Vienna Gallery is a "St. Justina" (once ascribed to Pordenone); in the Stadel Institute, Frankfort, the "Madonna enthroned between Sts Anthony and Sebastian"; in the Berlin Museum, a colossal "Adoration of the Shepherds, " and a large votive picture (one of the master's best) of the "Madonna and Child, " with infant angels and other figures above the clouds, and below, amid a rich landscape, two priests; in the National Gallery, London, St. Bemardin and other saints and two impressive portraits.

Il Moretto da Brescia died on December 22, 1554.

Achievements

• Il Moretto da Brescia was a leading painter of Brescia in the early 16th century, when the town became part of the Venetian empire.

Works

More photos

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  • Count Fortunato Martinengo Cesaresco by Moretto Da Brescia - 9" x 11" Gallery Wrapped Giclee Canvas Art Print - Ready to Hang

    (This 9" x 11" premium gallery wrapped canvas print of Cou...)

  • Moretto Da Brescia A Saint Monk - 20.1" x 25.1" Peel & Stick Removable Wall Decal

    (20.1" x 25.1" Moretto Da Brescia A Saint Monk removable a...)

  • Moretto Da Brescia Ecce Homo - 18.1" x 27.1" Peel & Stick Removable Wall Decal

    (18.1" x 27.1" Moretto Da Brescia Ecce Homo removable and ...)

  • Moretto Da Brescia Virgin and Child - 20.1" x 25.1" Peel & Stick Removable Wall Decal

    (20.1" x 25.1" Moretto Da Brescia Virgin and Child removab...)

References

• Alessandro Bonvicino: Il Moretto da Brescia