Andrea Solari (also Solario) (1460 in Milano - 1525) was an Italian Renaissance painter. He was one of the most important followers of Leonardo da Vinci, and brother of Cristoforo Solari, who gave him his first training. He created masterpieces among others in Venice, Milano and the Château de Gaillon (Normandie, France). From 1490 he was a pupil of Giovanni Bellini at Venice and his early works recall this painter, as for example a Madonna with Saints, painted in 1495 for the Church of San Pietro at Murano and now in the Brera at Milan. After his return to Milan he copied the style of Leonardo da Vinci so closely that he was considered the latter's best pupil. He is very like Leonardo, especially in the treatment of the heads, plastic modelling, and colouring. A beautiful Descent from the Cross, painted in 1503, is still in existence. About this date he also painted many portraits and in this way came into connexion with Cardinal Charles d'Amboise, for whom he painted a number of pictures during the years 1507-9 at Gaillon in Normandy. These works are now in galleries in England. During the second half of his working period he changed his style to a brighter tone and his works are easily recognized by the clear, luminous colours and the manner in which they flow into and blend with one another. The School of Leonardo, however, is always perceptible. Among other paintings belonging to this time is a Madonna with a Child lying on a cushion to whom she offers the breast; the figures are surrounded by a beautiful landscape. In 1507 Solari went to France and may have visited Flanders before returning to Italy. This would account for the Flemish character of his later work, such as the Flight into Egypt (1515; Poldi Pezzoli Museum, Milan), with its harmonious and detailed landscape background. To this period belong the Woman Playing a Guitar and the portrait of Chancellor Morone, which vividly recalls the style of Hans Holbein the Younger.
"ORDER A HANDMADE REPRODUCTION OF ANY PAINTING OF THIS ARTIST! CLICK HERE!"
"BUY POSTERS OF THESE ART WORKS!"
|
