Masaccio
His real name was Tommaso di Giovanni. "Masaccio" is Italian for "Ugly Tom". This was a cruel nickname he was given by local villagers.
1401-1428
Florentine Painter of the Early Renaissance
Stylistically influenced by the following painters - Giotto di Bondone , Sassetta and Fra Angelico
Cause of Death - He was poisoned by an envious rival painter. He was only 27 years old.
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About the Artist
Masaccio's work is all about the holy and the profane; illuminating and suppressing. Spirituality and mans innate awareness of his own mortality is an essential element in all his work. He was inspired by biblical stories, especially the story of Geneses. Masaccio was famous for his technique of using veiled transparencies of color to convey the different depths of spiritual illumination of the subject. Art historians regard the Renaissance to be the true beginning of art history. The term "renaissance" means "rebirth". After Giotto, Masaccio is considered the most influential early Renaissance painter. He was one of the most revolutionary artists of the his time in terms of mathematical perspective and being able to create a believable three-dimensional reality. His technique and style served as guidebook to all who came after him.
He was born Tommaso di Giovanni. The name Masaccio mean "ugly Tom" in Italian. He was a big awkward man who cared little about his outward appearance. His hair and beard were long and unruly. Often he would wear the same shirt and trousers, covered by food stains and paint drippings, for months at a time. Masaccio's personal life was sad, tumultuous and full of adventure. He was known to be quarrelsome and changeable. Sadly before he reached 30 years of age, he was poisoned by a covetous rival artist who could not stand the beauty and ingenuity of Masaccio's masterpieces. He died unappreciated and almost penniless, without ever know the phenomenal impact his work would have on the history of art.
Key Descriptive Words and Phrases associated with the Renaissance Movement - rebirth, rediscovery of the classical world, publication of Della Pittura, a book about the laws of mathematical perspective for artists, spiritually significant, illuminated manuscript, idealized biblical themes, scriptorium, illuminator, plague, Age of Discovery, curiosity about the natural world, realistic use of colours and light, Old Testament stories, sfumato, chiaroscuro, ethereal and foggy backgrounds, Gospel parables, romanticized landscapes, Christian symbolism.
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