| Gentile da Fabriano was a celebrated Italian painter, known for his technical perfection, pictorial language, and naturalistic style. Because of this, Gentile has been called the leading force in the International Gothic style. He influenced many of the artist after him, such as Masaccio, Gozzoli, Domenico Veneziano, and many others. Gentile himself was influenced by Lombard and Brescia miniatures, Florentine 14th century painting and 15th century sculpture, and Franco-Flemish panels. Though he became well know in Venice in 1408, these works have been lost, including the illustrations commissioned to depict a naval battle in fresco for the Great Council Hall of the Doges' Palace. In 1414, he went to Brescia to decorate the chapel of Broletto for the city's ruler, Pandolfo Malatesta. This is where Gentile met Pope Martin V and was invited to work for him. He traveled with the Pope to Florence where he became part of the Florentine painters' guild. His work showed his interest in lighting schemes, continuous townscapes, and action in panoramic scenes. Threw all of his paintings, there is Gentile's characteristic humane warmth. After a few commissions in Florence and Siena, he returned to Rome and one again, began to work for Pope Martin V. Though few of his works survive today, he remains an influential figure in the art world. |
