[Born at Savignano, in Italy, 1469. Died 1517. Aged 49.]
At an early age he carefully studied the works of Leonardo da Vinci, and
the effect of the study is visible in his own productions. Whilst his
fame was growing, he became deeply influenced by the preaching of
Savonarola, at whose instigation he publicly burnt some of his finest
studies of the undraped figure. In 1500, Bartolomeo assumed the habit of
a Dominican friar, and forsook painting. But after the lapse of four
years he resumed his art, made the acquaintance of Raffaelle at
Florence, and the influence of these two eminent painters on each other
was mutually advantageous. Among the finest works of Fra Bartolomeo are,
the large picture of St. Mark, esteemed in painting equal to the “Moses”
of Michael Angelo in sculpture, and the “Madonna della Misericordia.” He
was the inventor of the lay figure, which he was the first to employ.
His style is characterized by calm seriousness, unaffected dignity, and
grace. The religious expression of his holy figures reveals conscious
elevation, not mere sentimentality; and in his Madonnas holiness is
always exquisitely blended with beauty. But Bartolomeo lacked inward
power. Sometimes he is cold and formal; at others, impetuous and wanting
in repose. The colouring of flesh is peculiarly soft in his pictures,
and his draperies are excellent.
[By Domenico Manera. In the last work of Bartolomeo, which is now in
the Uffizzi, at Florence, representing the patron saints of Florence,
and others, he has introduced his own portrait.]