Artwork
Holy Bishop
Holy Bishop is a paint painting by Cennino Cennini. It dates from 1398 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Holy Bishop is a 1398 painting by Cennino Cennini, an Italian artist trained in Florence. It is a religious work now housed in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a bishop in solemn attire, conveying reverence through its depiction. The bishop is shown holding a red book (symbolizing religious text) and a staff (indicating authority), set against a luxurious gold leaf background.
Technique & Style
Cennini employed gold leaf to achieve a sense of opulence, characteristic of late medieval painting. The work reflects his training in the tradition of Giotto, with attention to detail in the bishop's intricate, golden robe and pointed hat.
History & Provenance
Created in 1398, Holy Bishop was part of Cennini's output after working at the court of Francesco Novello da Carrara in Padua. The artist later returned to Tuscany, his birthplace.
Context
Cennini's work, including Holy Bishop, was influenced by his Florentine training and Giotto's style. Notably, Cennini also authored Il libro dell’arte, a treatise on late medieval painting techniques, highlighting his dual role as practitioner and educator.
Legacy
While Holy Bishop represents Cennini's artistic practice, his greater impact on art history may lie in Il libro dell’arte, which provides valuable insights into 14th-century painting practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cennino d'Andrea Cennini (Italian: ; c. 1360 – before 1427) was an Italian painter influenced by Giotto. He was a student of Agnolo Gaddi in Florence. Gaddi trained under his father, called Taddeo Gaddi, who trained…
