DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.57409#0156
140
PIETRO LAURATI, PAINTER OF SIENA * * * §
[born . . . .-DIED 1350.]
Pietro Laurati,f an excellent Sienese painter, had ample
experience in the course of his life of the great happiness de-
rived by the truly distinguished in art, from the knowledge
that their works are prized and sought for by all men, whether
in their own country or in foreign lands. The paintings
which this master executed in fresco for the Scala, an hospital
of Siena,| having first made him known, he was invited to
different cities, being honourably received and caressed by
all Tuscany. In these frescoes, the manner of Giotto, then
extensively promulgated through all Italy, was so closely imi-
tated, that all with reason believed Laurati likely to become
a better master than Cimabue, Giotto, and others, had been,
as was afterwards proved to be the case. In the figure of
the Virgin, who is represented ascending the steps of the
temple, accompanied by Joachim and Anna, and received by
the priest; as also in the Sposalizio, there is so much grace and
beauty, with so charming an expression in all the heads of
the composition, and the draperies are so simply and easily
folded, that the whole work gives evidence of a truly admirable
manner. § It was in consequence of this performance, then,
which first brought the good method of painting into Siena,[[
giving light to so many noble spirits, which in all succeeding
times have flourished in that city, that Laurati was invited to
Monte Oliveto di Chiusuri, where he executed a picture in
distemper, which is now in the lower church.He also
* See Lanzi, History of Painting, vol. i, Sienese School, epoch 1.
page 282.
f The name of this artist was Pietro di Lorenzo, and he was brother
to Ambrogio di Lorenzo or Lorenzetti, whose life follows.
I This work he executed in concert with his brother Ambrogio.—
See the life of the latter, which follows.
§ This biography vindicates Vasari from the charge of vilifying all
artists who were not Tuscans ; for though Pietro was of Siena, between
which city and Florence there reigned perpetual rivalry and discord,
yet the whole life of Laurati, as here given by Vasari, is a continued
panegyric.—Roman ed. 1759.
An assertion altogether untenable.
This painting, of which the condition was long lamented by the
lovers of art. has now totally perished.
PIETRO LAURATI, PAINTER OF SIENA * * * §
[born . . . .-DIED 1350.]
Pietro Laurati,f an excellent Sienese painter, had ample
experience in the course of his life of the great happiness de-
rived by the truly distinguished in art, from the knowledge
that their works are prized and sought for by all men, whether
in their own country or in foreign lands. The paintings
which this master executed in fresco for the Scala, an hospital
of Siena,| having first made him known, he was invited to
different cities, being honourably received and caressed by
all Tuscany. In these frescoes, the manner of Giotto, then
extensively promulgated through all Italy, was so closely imi-
tated, that all with reason believed Laurati likely to become
a better master than Cimabue, Giotto, and others, had been,
as was afterwards proved to be the case. In the figure of
the Virgin, who is represented ascending the steps of the
temple, accompanied by Joachim and Anna, and received by
the priest; as also in the Sposalizio, there is so much grace and
beauty, with so charming an expression in all the heads of
the composition, and the draperies are so simply and easily
folded, that the whole work gives evidence of a truly admirable
manner. § It was in consequence of this performance, then,
which first brought the good method of painting into Siena,[[
giving light to so many noble spirits, which in all succeeding
times have flourished in that city, that Laurati was invited to
Monte Oliveto di Chiusuri, where he executed a picture in
distemper, which is now in the lower church.He also
* See Lanzi, History of Painting, vol. i, Sienese School, epoch 1.
page 282.
f The name of this artist was Pietro di Lorenzo, and he was brother
to Ambrogio di Lorenzo or Lorenzetti, whose life follows.
I This work he executed in concert with his brother Ambrogio.—
See the life of the latter, which follows.
§ This biography vindicates Vasari from the charge of vilifying all
artists who were not Tuscans ; for though Pietro was of Siena, between
which city and Florence there reigned perpetual rivalry and discord,
yet the whole life of Laurati, as here given by Vasari, is a continued
panegyric.—Roman ed. 1759.
An assertion altogether untenable.
This painting, of which the condition was long lamented by the
lovers of art. has now totally perished.