Ghirlandaio

Ghirlandaio is the adopted surname of Domenico di Tommaso Bigordi (c. 1449 – 1494), a Florentine painter during the late Quattrocento. His nickname, Ghirlandaio, meaning "garland maker," is thought to derive from his father's trade or his own early work in creating decorative garlands. He was a prominent figure in the Florentine art scene, known for his prolific output and the distinct style of his workshop, which he ran with his brothers.

Ghirlandaio's artistic training is believed to have been with Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, known as Botticelli, or perhaps with Andrea del Castagno. His early works show a strong influence of these masters, but he soon developed his own clear and precise style. He was celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to render textures, and his lively, naturalistic depictions of Florentine society. His frescoes, in particular, are characterized by their large scale, rich color palettes, and detailed narratives.

His most significant commissions include the frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel in Santa Maria Novella, Florence, which depict scenes from the lives of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist. These works are renowned for their detailed portrayal of contemporary Florentine fashion and architecture, effectively placing biblical narratives within a recognizable urban context. Ghirlandaio's workshop was a large and successful enterprise, attracting numerous apprentices, the most famous of whom was Michelangelo. Ghirlandaio's legacy lies in his contribution to the development of Renaissance painting, particularly in his mastery of fresco and his skill in integrating portraiture and contemporary life into religious subjects.