Correggio: The Mysterious Master of Parmesan Renaissance
Antonio Allegri, known as Correggio (c. 1489–1534), was a singular painter of the Parmesan Renaissance, celebrated by Giorgio Vasari as a rare and marvelous artist who brought the modern manner to Lombardy. Born in Correggio, near Reggio Emilia, his life remains shrouded in mystery with few biographical details. He likely studied Mantegna in Mantua, absorbed Leonardo's sfumato, and knew works by Cima da Conegliano, Dosso Dossi, and Dürer. A possible trip to Rome to see Michelangelo and Raphael is debated. His early career in Correggio was influenced by the humanist court of Veronica Gambara. His major works in Parma include the Camera di San Paolo (commissioned by abbess Giovanna Piacenza), frescoes in San Giovanni Evangelista, and the dome of Parma Cathedral (1522–1530), noted for dramatic sotto in sù perspectives. Later commissions came from the Gonzaga family, including paintings for Isabella d'Este's studiolo and the series 'Loves of Jupiter' for Duke Federico II Gonzaga. His works were acquired by King Charles I of England in 1628. The Camera di San Paolo was rediscovered in 1774 by Raphael Mengs.
Key facts
- Antonio Allegri, known as Correggio, was born around 1489 in Correggio, Reggio Emilia, and died on March 5, 1534.
- Giorgio Vasari praised Correggio as a 'singular painter' who mastered the modern manner and was the first to introduce it in Lombardy.
- Correggio's life and training are poorly documented, with Vasari's account being partial and sometimes erroneous.
- He likely studied Andrea Mantegna in Mantua and was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, Cima da Conegliano, Dosso Dossi, and Albrecht Dürer.
- His early work in Correggio was shaped by the humanist circle of Veronica Gambara, which included Pietro Aretino, Ludovico Ariosto, and Pietro Bembo.
- In Parma, he painted the Camera di San Paolo for abbess Giovanna Piacenza, a small dining room with a sophisticated iconographic program.
- Between 1522 and 1530, he frescoed the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista and the dome of Parma Cathedral, renowned for its foreshortened figures.
- His late works for Duke Federico II Gonzaga included the 'Loves of Jupiter' series (Danae, Leda and the Swan, Ganymede and the Eagle, Jupiter and Io).
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Allegri (Correggio)
- Giorgio Vasari
- Andrea Mantegna
- Francesco Mantegna
- Cima da Conegliano
- Dosso Dossi
- Albrecht Dürer
- Michelangelo
- Raphael
- Veronica Gambara
- Pietro Aretino
- Ludovico Ariosto
- Pietro Bembo
- Giovanna Piacenza
- Giorgio Edoari da Erba
- Raphael Mengs
- Isabella d'Este
- Federico II Gonzaga
- Carlo I d'Inghilterra
- Giberto X da Correggio
- Ippolito d'Este
- Francesco Gonzaga
Institutions
- Duomo di Parma
- Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista
- Monastero benedettino femminile di San Paolo
- Palazzo Ducale di Mantova
- Museo dell'Ermitage
- Artspecialday
Locations
- Correggio
- Reggio Emilia
- Parma
- Mantua
- Rome
- Ferrara
- Venice
- Lombardy
- Emilia Romagna
- San Pietroburgo
- Russia