Artwork
Copy after the Death of St Francis, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sassetti Chapel, Chiesa di Santa Trinita (Florence)
Copy after the Death of St Francis, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sassetti Chapel, Chiesa di Santa Trinita (Florence) is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Domenico Ghirlandaio. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A 1860 watercolour by Cesare Mariannecci reproduces a scene from Domenico Ghirlandaio's fresco in the Sassetti Chapel, depicting the death of Saint Francis. The composition features the saint on his deathbed, centrally placed under a portico, surrounded by figures and extending into a distant landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The watercolour captures a solemn moment of mourning or ceremony, with Saint Francis lying still on a bed, hands crossed, surrounded by attendants resembling monks or priests. The setting, resembling a church interior, emphasizes the religious and emotional gravity of the scene.
Technique & Style
Mariannecci's watercolour employs muted tones (whites, grays, browns) with selective red and blue accents, drawing attention to the central figure. The style reflects Ghirlandaio's influence, known for incorporating realistic details into religious scenes.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by the Arundel Society in 1860, the watercolour was subsequently issued as a chromolithograph the same year, facilitating wider dissemination of Ghirlandaio's original fresco design.
Artist & collection
Artist
Domenico di Tommaso Curradi di Doffo Bigordi (2 June 1448 – 11 January 1494), professionally known as Domenico Ghirlandaio (also spelt as Ghirlandajo), was an Italian Renaissance painter born in Florence.
Copy after the Death of St Francis, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sassetti Chapel, Chiesa di Santa Trinita (Florence)
Copy after The Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
copy after the Burial of Santa Fina, Domenico Ghirlandaio in Collegiata, San Gimignano (Siena)
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Copy after the Preaching of St. John the Baptist, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
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Copy after Calling of the Apostoles, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican (Rome)
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Copy after the fresco Christ as pilgrim received by two Dominicans, Fra Angelico in the Museo di San Marco (Florence).