Bernado Martorell
(Unknown - 1452) |
|
Dramatic composition; sense of a dramatic narrative; detailed observation of nature Art Work
| Name: |
Bernado Martorell |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Place of Birth: |
St. Celoni, Spain |
| Nationality: |
Spainsh |
| Birth: |
Unknown |
| Death: |
1452 |
| Website: |
|
| Past Auctions: |
Click Here |
|
|
Quick Facts
| Known For: |
Dramatic composition; sense of a dramatic narrative; detailed observation of nature |
| Medium: |
Tempera on panel |
| Method: |
|
| Style: |
International Gothic painter and miniaturist |
| Fine Art Profession(s): |
Painting
|
|
|
Biography
| Little is known about the life of painter and miniaturist Bernardo Martorell. He worked in Barcelona and was the leading painter in Catalonia in his day. He is thought to have been a pupil of Gothic painter Luis Borrassa and to have begun his career as an illuminator of manuscripts. Martorell painted in the International Gothic style. His workshop produced highly decorative religious art such as stained-glass windows, as well as flags and coats of arms. Only one surviving work is definitely attributed to Martorell, The Altarpiece of St. Peter of Pubol (1437), although The Annunciation (15th century), commissioned by the Franciscan monastery of Santa Maria de Jesus in Barcelona, is also thought to be his work. The work for which Martorell is best known has still not been definitively attributed to him, but he is credited with painting five panels that once belonged to a larger work. The Altarpiece of St. George (1430-1435).This is partly because he is said to have claimed St. George as his patron and partly because the work is in Martorell's distinctive style, with a flair for depicting light, detailed observation, and a dramatic narrative. The story of 5t. George was taken from The Golden Legend {1275), a collection of stories about the lives of the saints. The influence of " Byzantine iconography is apparent in the panels that are liberally decorated with gold leaf and gold paint. Martorell adds expressive faces, movement, and a sense of drama, using bright contrasting colors, dynamic composition, and realistic detail. He also uses stucco to emphasize St. George's halo and armor. Such works reveal Martorell's influence in helping to advance the prevailing style toward realistic figures and a compelling narrative. |
Samples of Work
|
|
