Unraveling the symbolism: exploring the renaissance home through Pesellino’s art
In a captivating display of artistic prowess, the National Gallery unveils an exhibition that delves into the domestic use in the Renaissance home, shedding light on the intricate symbolism found in the works of Pesellino. Known for his playful and witty approach to art, Pesellino’s symbols and heraldic devices are scattered throughout the panels, hinting at their origin as a Medici commission.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the Pistoia Trinity altarpiece, which stands as one of only two large-scale altarpieces attributed to Pesellino. Although left unfinished at the time of his death, it was skillfully completed in the workshop of Filippo Lippi, a collaborator whom Pesellino had previously worked with on the Novitiate chapel’s predella in Santa Croce 15 years prior. This altarpiece, the earliest pala in the National Gallery’s collection, offers valuable insights into Pesellino’s posthumous reputation.
Pesellino’s untimely demise clouded his legacy, causing confusion among later writers who sought to attribute his works and those of his grandfather. However, despite his short life, Pesellino’s influence on subsequent generations of artists cannot be overstated. Renowned art historian Giorgio Vasari acknowledged Pesellino’s potential, writing in his Lives of Artists, “From what we know of him, if he had lived longer, he would have achieved much more than he did.” While Pesellino’s career as an altarpiece painter was cut short, his small-scale devotional works served as inspiration for future painters. One notable example is his Madonna and Child (1450s), which has spawned between twenty and thirty known imitations, including a generous loan from the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon.
Accompanying the exhibition is the first fully illustrated catalogue dedicated to Pesellino, published in English. This landmark publication marks the first in-depth exploration of the artist’s life and work in over 120 years, providing art enthusiasts with a comprehensive understanding of Pesellino’s artistic contributions.
Dr. Laura Llewellyn, Curator of Italian Paintings before 1500 at the National Gallery, expresses her excitement about the exhibition: “Works by Pesellino are rare indeed, but at the National Gallery, we are fortunate to have two of his undisputed masterpieces in our collection. The recent conservation treatment of the magnificent Stories of David panels has provided us with an opportunity to bring this remarkable yet often overlooked painter into the spotlight. This exhibition celebrates his achievements and offers a unique glimpse into his short but impactful career.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to unravel the secrets hidden within Pesellino’s symbolic masterpieces and discover the Renaissance home like never before.