Artwork
Forest Scene from the Tale of Nastagio degli Onesti, in Boccaccio's "Decameron"
Forest Scene from the Tale of Nastagio degli Onesti, in Boccaccio's "Decameron" is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Davide Ghirlandaio. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
About this work
Overview
This tempera painting, created around 1500, is attributed to Davide Ghirlandaio, an Italian artist from a prominent family of painters and mosaicists. It illustrates a scene from Giovanni Boccaccio's literary work, 'Decameron'.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a dramatic episode from Boccaccio's 'Decameron', showing a naked woman fleeing through a forest as a man on a white horse pursues her, while two onlookers observe the scene. The narrative is set against a detailed wooded landscape with a mountainous backdrop.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Ghirlandaio's skill in tempera, a medium that allows for rich detail and texture. The painting's naturalistic style, characteristic of the early Renaissance, is evident in its depiction of the forest and the figures within it.
History & Provenance
Davide Ghirlandaio worked in Florence, often in collaboration with his brother Domenico, before taking over the family studio. The painting reflects the artistic and literary interests of the time, engaging with themes from literature and demonstrating a focus on naturalistic representation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Davide Ghirlandaio (1452–1525), also known as David Ghirlandaio and as Davide Bigordi, was an Italian painter and mosaicist, active in his native Florence.
