Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE COURT PAINTER
The first Renaissance court painter was Andrea Mantegna, who was employed by the Gonzaga marquesses of
Mantua from 1460 until his death in 1506. He was a good choice for a dynasty with political pretensions. With
his understanding of perspective and knowledge of the classical world, Mantegna glorified his subjects, making
his nobles seem like ancient heroes as well as contemporary men. Viewers of his powerful series
The Triumph of
Julius Caesar
(1484-92; now at Hampton Court in London) can sense the implied connection between his pat-
rons and the conquering Caesar. For his pains, Mantegna, a poor woodworker's son, received an extravagant in-
come (75 lire a month), and the Gonzaga got their propaganda and the reputation they still enjoy today - that of
being great patrons of the arts. Bramante, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo all followed in his foot-
steps and worked as court painters for powerful patrons.
