Artwork
The Visitation
The Visitation is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Maso da San Friano. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Visitation is a 1560 oil painting by Maso da San Friano, an artist active in Florence during the Mannerist period.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a scene of two women, likely the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth, surrounded by onlookers in a stone building. A kneeling figure in yellow faces a standing figure in pink and white, while a partially clothed man sits in the foreground, gazing up at them.
Technique & Style
The work showcases the artist's use of chiaroscuro to create depth and volume. The figures are arranged in a harmonious composition, with a subdued color palette and varied textures, characteristic of Mannerist religious art.
History & Provenance
The Visitation is part of the Fitzwilliam Museum's collection. It was created by Maso da San Friano, whose birth name was Tomaso D'Antonio Manzuoli.
Artist & collection
Artist
Maso da San Friano (1536–1571) was an Italian painter active in Florence. His real name was Tomaso D'Antonio Manzuoli. He was born in San Friano and died in Florence.
