Colantonio, the forgotten master who taught Antonello da Messina
This article focuses on Nicola Antonio Colantonio, a painter from Naples in the 15th century and mentor to Antonello da Messina. His legacy is primarily known through a letter dated 1524 by Pietro Summonte. Colantonio was appointed as the court painter for René of Anjou around 1440 but was succeeded by Alfonso of Aragon in 1444. Summonte acknowledges his work in replicating Flemish art, particularly pieces by Barthélemy d'Eyck. Key works, located at the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, include a polyptych for San Lorenzo Maggiore (circa 1440) and a Saint Francis (circa 1444-46), along with a Deposition (1455-60) and the Polyptych of Saint Vincent Ferrer (1456-65). Colantonio's style reflects a blend of Flemish, French, and Spanish artistic traditions.
Key facts
- Colantonio (Nicola Antonio) was a painter active in Naples between 1420 and 1470.
- He was the teacher of Antonello da Messina.
- The only biographical source is a 1524 letter by Pietro Summonte to Marcantonio Michiel.
- Colantonio was court painter to René of Anjou around 1440, replaced by Alfonso of Aragon in 1444.
- He copied Flemish paintings from René's collection, which included works by Barthélemy d'Eyck.
- His works are now at the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples.
- Major works include Saint Jerome in His Study (c. 1440) and Saint Francis Giving the Rule (c. 1444-46).
- The Polyptych of Saint Vincent Ferrer (1456-65) shows influence of Piero della Francesca and includes a portrait of Isabella Chiaramonte.
Entities
Artists
- Colantonio
- Nicola Antonio
- Antonello da Messina
- Pietro Summonte
- Marcantonio Michiel
- René of Anjou
- Alfonso of Aragon
- Barthélemy d'Eyck
- Jacomart Bacò
- Pier Luigi Leone De Castris
- Ferdinando Bologna
- Piero della Francesca
- Isabella Chiaramonte
- King Ferrante
- Ludovico Pratesi
Institutions
- Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte
- San Lorenzo Maggiore
- San Domenico Maggiore
- San Pietro Martire
- Artribune
Locations
- Naples
- Italy
- Sicily
- Flanders
- France
- Spain
- Catalonia
- Capodimonte
- Maschio Angioino