Master of the Bardi Saint Francis
The Master of the Bardi Saint Francis is an unknown Italian Gothic artist, possibly Florentine. He lived and worked during the latter half of the thirteenth century, particularly 1250 to 1280. He has been credited with painting several independent frescos and panels as well as the notable large altar of the Capella Bardi in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy.
The Master of the Bardi Saint Francis was given his name in 1885 by the art historian, Henry Thode. This unknown artist’s art is a unique stylistic blend of Italian and Byzantine art. This combination reflects the geopolitics of the day and is proof of the contact and sharing of ideas between the two disparate cultures and geographic areas.
The Basilica of San Francesco of Assisi and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in Assisi have art believed to have been created by this artist. The fresco narrative in the latter church was likely created by several artists, but the overarching stylistic theme has been credited to one person. Though a few critics do believe that the two pieces were done by different artists, the odd combination of Byzantine stylistic features in addition to the Florentine and Luccan style of art make most art historians believe that the two pieces were done by the same unknown master.
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