I was immediately drawn to Andrea Mantegna’s work after seeing Palazzo Ducale Oculus. This is what attracted me to investigate his career and contributions to art during this period. I choose 5 pieces of his work that resonated with me, not only his most famous works.
The Palazzo Ducale Oculus was painted on the ceiling of the Camera Delgi Sposi in Mantua Italy (Image 1). His handling of realism and perspective in this piece was very influential during this period and many artists began replicating and studying his use of perspective (Britannica,2021).
Mantegna was known for his execution of foreshortening in his work as well as using roman architecture and statues within his artwork (Art in Tuscany, n.d). His foreshortening is especially prominent in his piece The Lamentation over the Dead Christ (Image 2).
This self-portrait is titled “Grotesque Self-portrait”. It is hidden on the décor on the pillars in the Camera Delgi Sposi. He was well known for his handling and technique with the use of fresco (Brittanica, 2021).
This is Minerva Expelling the Vices from the Garden of Virtue, painted in 1500-02. I loved the color and softness that he achieved in this piece.
Finally, the Madonna of the Victory is a beautiful altarpiece from 1496. Mantegna’s handling of color and composition in this piece is highly regarded. His use of foreshortening and perspective in fresco was studied and used in ceiling decor for 3 centuries after his work was completed (Britannica, 2021).
Works cited:
“Andrea Mantegna, the Lamentation over the Dead Christ: Art in Tuscany: Podere Santa Pia, Holiday House in the South of Tuscany.” Andrea Mantegna, The Lamentation over the Dead Christ | Art in Tuscany | Podere Santa Pia, Holiday House in the South of Tuscany, Art In Tuscany, http://www.travelingintuscany.com/art/andreamantegna/lamentation.htm.
Sheard, Wendy Stedman. “Andrea Mantegna”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrea-Mantegna. Accessed 4 October 2021.
“Grotesque Self-Portrait.” Web Gallery of Art, https://www.wga.hu/html_m/m/mantegna/07/2sposi112.html.