The portrait of Fra Girolamo Savonarola, painted in the late 1490s and now housed in the Museo Nazionale di San Marco, stands as the most recognized depiction of the religious reformer. This work emerged during a transformative period for the artist, marking a transition toward the religious commitment that defined the remainder of his professional career.
Early Apprenticeship and Collaboration
Born in 1472 in Savignano di Prato, he became known as Baccio della Porta because his home was situated near the Gate of San Pier Gattolini in Florence. Beginning in 1483 or 1484, he trained in the workshop of Cosimo Rosselli under the guidance of Benedetto da Maiano. By 1490 or 1491, he initiated a professional partnership with Mariotto Albertinelli, producing works such as the Pugliese Tabernacle.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Religious Conversion and Hiatus
Influenced by the teachings of Fra Girolamo Savonarola, who condemned contemporary art as vain, the artist joined the Dominican Order on 26 July 1500. He subsequently entered the convent of San Marco, effectively abandoning painting for several years. In 1504, he resumed his craft under the direction of his monastic superiors, eventually assuming leadership of the monastery's workshop.
High Renaissance Style and Influence
After 1504, he developed a High Renaissance style, illustrated by his work on The Vision of Saint Bernard. A friendship with Raphael led to a reciprocal exchange of technical skills; Bartolomeo studied perspective from the younger artist, while sharing his expertise in drapery and color. His mastery of composition is noted in works like the Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John and the St. Mark Evangelist.
Professional Travels and Final Works
His career expanded beyond Florence as he sought commissions in Venice, Lucca, and Rome. In 1513, he traveled to Rome to execute Peter and Paul, now held in the Pinacoteca Vaticana. His later contributions included frescoes at the Dominican convent of Pian di Mugnone near Fiesole. He remained active as a painter and draftsperson until his death in Florence in 1517.
Fast facts
- Born: 1472, Savignano di Prato, Italy
- Died: 1517, Florence, Italy
- Occupation: Painter and draftsperson
- Order: Dominican
- Notable work: The Vision of Saint Bernard
- Notable work: Madonna of Mercy
- Collaborator: Mariotto Albertinelli
- Movement: Renaissance
Questions readers ask
Why did he stop painting in 1500?
He entered the Dominican Order as a friar and renounced his artistic practice for several years before resuming under instruction in 1504.
Did he influence other painters?
Yes, he maintained a mutually influential relationship with Raphael, and he taught several pupils, including Ridolfo Ghirlandaio and Fra Paolo Pistolese.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Vision of Saint Bernard
- Notable work: Lamentation
- Notable work: God the Father with Sts Catherine of Siena and Mary Magdalen
- Notable work: The Holy Family with the Infant John the Baptist
- Movement: Renaissance
.jpg)
