Late Gothic and Early Renaissance: Simone Martini (1284-1344)

Simone Martini:

Simone Martini was a Sienese (Italian) painter of the 14th century. He painted in books, on panel, and on walls and is recognized as one of the outstanding painters of the 14th century of Europe with his professional skill. Martini had a restless and innovative temperament, full of novelty and invention. He varied pitch and pace in his stories, creating works that varied in range and contrasted each other. An artist who observed the details of nature and used depth in his paintings, Martini also loved harmonious pure colours and the decorative style of the Gothic period. With these qualities, he created the perfect combination of the ideals of the Gothic age into his paintings.

Martini was a key figure in transforming Italian painting from using traditional Byzantine forms into art that would depict visual and psychological experiences. He brought Sienese painting- the use of Byzantine icons with increased three-dimensional quality, decorative linear rhythms, and harmonious colour- into the mainstream of European art and many artists learned from his achievements.

Seeing Martini’s works fills me with awe. His use of depth and rare colours create an excellent combination and it is clear that his works are full of grace and beauty, particularly in The Annunciation.

Artworks:

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References:

• GOMBRICH, Ernst Hans. The Story of Art. Phaidon, 1995.
• “Simone Martini Facts.” Biography, YourDictionary, 2010, biography.yourdictionary.com/simone-martini.
•  Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Simone Martini.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 19 Aug. 2014, www.britannica.com/biography/Simone-Martini.
• Martindale, Andrew, author. “Martini, Simone.” Oxford Art Online, 2003