The cycle of frescoes depicting scenes from the Old Testament within the Collegiata of San Gimignano serves as a primary reference for the technical scope of Bartolo di Fredi. Completed in 1367, this extensive project exemplifies his role as a prominent figure within the Sienese school during the latter half of the fourteenth century.
Professional Origins and Studio
Born in Siena in 1330, Bartolo di Fredi, also known as Bartolo Battiloro, established a significant presence in the regional art scene. He registered with the local guild in 1355. By 1353, he had formed a professional association with Andrea Vanni. His workshop became a central hub for artistic production in Siena, where he managed numerous commissions while training his son, Andrea di Bartolo, who was the only one of his children to outlive him.
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Beyond his artistic output, Bartolo di Fredi participated in Sienese civic life. In 1361, he assisted in the decoration of the Hall of Council. His political involvement deepened in 1372 when he held a government position and participated in the official welcome of the Podestà. By 1381, he had secured a seat on the Council. These roles ran parallel to his public works, such as the 1366 commission from the Council of San Gimignano for a painting commemorating the resolution of local disputes between the city and the Augustine Order.
Artistic Evolution and Legacy
Bartolo di Fredi diverged from the structural solidity favored by Pietro Lorenzetti, choosing instead to emphasize the decorative and otherworldly aesthetics associated with Simone Martini and Duccio. This stylistic preference often incorporated elements of fantasy and narrative detail. His career included major contributions to the Cathedral of Siena, where he worked with Giacomo di Mino in 1367 and collaborated with Luca Thome in 1389. He continued producing altarpieces for the city until his death on 26 January 1410, eventually finding burial in the cloister of the convent of San Domenico.
Fast facts
- Born: 1330, Siena
- Died: 26 January 1410, Siena
- Movement: Sienese school
- Guild entry: 1355
- Notable work: The Presentation at the Temple
- Associated artist: Andrea Vanni
- Burial site: Convent of San Domenico, Siena
Questions readers ask
What stylistic influences defined his work?
He moved away from the concrete, solid figures of Pietro Lorenzetti, preferring the flatter, more decorative and fantastical style of Simone Martini and Duccio.
Where can his work be found today?
His paintings are held in various institutions including the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museo Civico e Diocesano d'Arte Sacra in Montalcino.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Presentation at the Temple
- Movement: Sienese school
