Filippo Mazzola occupied the Italian art world during the Renaissance, leaving a body of work that functioned within the changing market of his time. Born in Parma in 1460, he established his career as a painter before dying in the same city during a plague epidemic in 1505 at the age of approximately 45.
Artistic Training and Geography
Mazzola began his education under the tutelage of Francesco Tacconi. As the son of Bartholomew, he operated primarily within the regional circuit connecting Parma and Piacenza. His professional development included a documented trip to Venice, a city where he engaged with the works of Antonello da Messina, Giovanni Bellini, and Alvise Vivarini. These encounters served as his primary stylistic references during his active years.
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Take the IQ test →Notable Works and Legacy
The most significant contribution attributed to his hand is the polyptych housed at the basilica of Cortemaggiore. Although this multi-paneled piece remains a central reference for his career, the original structure is incomplete, as it is currently missing a couple of paintings. Beyond his own artistic production, his name is connected to the lineage of Renaissance artists through his son, the painter Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola.
Historical Context
Operating during a timeframe when the status of the artist shifted toward individual recognition, branding, and specific market valuation, Mazzola navigated a period of intense creative output. Historical records regarding his life are compiled within the Biographical Dictionary of Parmigiani by Roberto Lasagni, published in Parma in 1999.
Fast facts
- Born: 1460, Parma
- Died: 1505, Parma
- Occupation: Painter
- Movement: Renaissance
- Notable work: Polyptych at the basilica of Cortemaggiore
- Teacher: Francesco Tacconi
- Son: Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola
Questions readers ask
Where is the work of Filippo Mazzola primarily located?
He worked mainly in the region between Parma and Piacenza, and a major polyptych is kept at the basilica of Cortemaggiore.
What were the main artistic influences on his style?
Following a trip to Venice, he was influenced by the works of Antonello da Messina, Giovanni Bellini, and Alvise Vivarini.
Achievements
- Movement: Renaissance
