Maker/Artist
Sassetta
Italian painter and illuminator, ca. 1400-1450
Considered, along with Giovanni di Paolo, as the leading Sienese painter of the 15th century, Sassetta is first recorded painting an altarpiece in 1423-1426, of which several panels survive. The surviving works show a classical sense of architectural perspective and a skilled handing of landscapes. Another altarpiece finished before 1932 (the Madonna of the Snow), is even more advanced in terms of a unified perspective, suggesting that Sassetta was aware of Masaccio and other Florentine painters. Although he continued to produce paintings and altarpieces, his largest commission was in 1437, for S Francesco in Borgo San Sepolcro, for which he was paid the highest sum yet for a 15th century altarpiece. The project was completed in seven years, during which he accepted commissions from other Siena civic bodies. His last commission was to be the frescoes for the new Siena city gates (begun by Taddeo di Bartolo), though he died in 1450 after completing the design and the painted angels on the arch. The work was completed by Sano di Pietro in 1459 using Sassetta's original drawings. Italian painter and illuminator. Comment on works: religious
