# Cimabue

> Italian artist (1240–1302)

**Wikidata**: [Q15790](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15790)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimabue)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cimabue

## Summary
Cimabue was an Italian painter (1240–1302) known for his early contributions to Italian Renaissance art, particularly in the development of fresco painting and sacred imagery. His most notable works include the *Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Prophets* and the *Maestà di Santa Maria dei Servi*, which showcase his innovative use of perspective and composition.

## Biography
- Born: 1240 (exact location unknown)
- Nationality: Italian (citizenship: Republic of Florence)
- Education: Trained in Florence, likely under the guidance of local masters
- Known for: Pioneering techniques in fresco painting and sacred art
- Employer(s): Republic of Florence (active during its existence, 1115–1532/69)
- Field(s): Painting, fresco technique, religious art

## Contributions
Cimabue created several influential works, including:
- *Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Prophets* (c. 1290), now in the Uffizi Gallery
- *Maestà di Santa Maria dei Servi* (c. 1280), located in the Basilica Santa Maria dei Servi, Bologna
- *The Mocking of Christ* (c. 1280), a notable religious painting
- *Crucifix by Cimabue, Santa Croce* (c. 1272–1300), displayed in the basilica of Santa Croce, Florence
- *Crucifix by Cimabue, San Domenico (Arezzo)* (c. 1268–1300), housed in San Domenico, Arezzo

These works are recognized for their innovative use of perspective and composition, marking significant advancements in Renaissance art.

## FAQs
- **What was Cimabue's primary artistic contribution?**
  Cimabue is best known for his pioneering work in fresco painting and his sacred compositions, which influenced later Renaissance artists.

- **Where did Cimabue create his most famous works?**
  His most famous works were created in Florence, Italy, and later in Bologna, where he painted the *Maestà di Santa Maria dei Servi*.

- **What techniques did Cimabue develop?**
  Cimabue is credited with advancing fresco painting techniques and developing new approaches to sacred imagery.

- **Who was influenced by Cimabue's work?**
  Cimabue's innovations influenced the school of artists that followed, including those who worked in Florence and Bologna.

## Why They Matter
Cimabue's work laid the foundation for later Renaissance art, particularly in the use of perspective and composition in fresco painting. His sacred imagery and technical innovations set a precedent for future generations of artists, shaping the development of Italian Renaissance art. Without Cimabue, the evolution of fresco techniques and sacred art in the early Renaissance would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Pioneered early fresco painting techniques
- Created the *Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Prophets* (c. 1290), a landmark work in sacred art
- Developed innovative compositions in religious paintings
- Influenced the school of artists that followed in Florence and Bologna

## Body
### Early Life and Training
Cimabue was born in 1240, though his exact birthplace is unknown. He trained in Florence, likely under the guidance of local masters, where he began developing his signature style. His early works reflect a deep understanding of sacred imagery and technical innovation.

### Major Works and Techniques
Cimabue's most notable works include:
- *Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Prophets* (c. 1290), now in the Uffizi Gallery, showcasing his mastery of perspective and composition.
- *Maestà di Santa Maria dei Servi* (c. 1280), located in the Basilica Santa Maria dei Servi, Bologna, which further demonstrated his technical prowess.
- *The Mocking of Christ* (c. 1280), a significant religious painting that highlights his ability to convey emotion and depth in sacred subjects.
- *Crucifix by Cimabue, Santa Croce* (c. 1272–1300), displayed in the basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, which illustrates his advanced use of fresco techniques.
- *Crucifix by Cimabue, San Domenico (Arezzo)* (c. 1268–1300), housed in San Domenico, Arezzo, which further exemplifies his innovative approach to religious art.

### Influence and Legacy
Cimabue's work had a profound impact on the development of Renaissance art. His pioneering techniques in fresco painting and sacred imagery influenced the school of artists that followed, shaping the evolution of Italian Renaissance art. His innovations in composition and perspective set a precedent for future generations of artists, ensuring his lasting legacy in the art world.

### Death and Historical Context
Cimabue died in 1302, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and admired. His contributions to art during the early Renaissance period were groundbreaking, and his influence can still be seen in the works of later artists. The Republic of Florence, where he was active, played a crucial role in the cultural and artistic development of the region, further cementing Cimabue's place in history.

## References

1. Union List of Artist Names. 2021
2. The Fine Art Archive
3. RKDartists
4. MusicBrainz
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Artnet
7. ArtCyclopedia
8. Athenaeum
9. mutualart.com
10. Art UK painters database
11. Q19135206
12. AGORHA
13. Lord Byron and his Times
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15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Cimabue)
18. Gallica
19. [Source](https://archive.org/details/gri_vitedepivecc01vasa/page/126/mode/1up)
20. [Source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Le_vite_de_piv_eccellenti_architetti,_pittori,_et_scvltori_italiani_-_da_Cimabve_in_sino_à_tempi_nostri_(IA_gri_vitedepivecc01vasa).pdf&page=130)
21. [Source](https://it.wikisource.org/wiki/Le_vite_de%27_più_eccellenti_pittori,_scultori_e_architettori_(1550)/Giovanni_Cimabue)
22. [Source](https://archive.org/details/cimabue0000bell/page/32/mode/2up)
23. CONOR.SI
24. [Vies des peintres, sculpteurs et architectes](https://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/Vies_des_peintres,_sculpteurs_et_architectes/tome_1/1)
25. lives of the most excellent painters,sculptors,and architects
26. Les Vies des meilleurs peintres, sculpteurs et architectes
27. Vies des peintres, sculpteurs et architectes
28. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
29. [Source](https://collections.frick.org/people/247/cimabue-cenni-di-peppo/objects)
30. [Source](https://www.bellasartes.gob.ar/)
31. [Source](https://library.nga.gov/permalink/01NGA_INST/1cl1g8d/alma993987173504896)