(Jacopo Chimenti) Empoli Paintings

Jacopo Chimenti, also known as Jacopo da Empoli, was an Italian Mannerist painter born in Florence in 1551. He is recognized for his detailed and refined technique as well as for his serene and graceful figures. Jacopo was initially trained by Maso da San Friano in Florence. His early works were significantly influenced by the Florentine Mannerist style, particularly by the works of Andrea del Sarto and Pontormo.

Jacopo da Empoli's career flourished as he developed a style characterized by clarity of form and subdued colors. His religious compositions often featured elongated figures and were marked by a sober piety, a contrast to the often extravagant Mannerist works of his contemporaries. Jacopo was also known for his portraits and still life paintings, the latter being somewhat unusual for Italian artists of his time.

Throughout his career, Jacopo da Empoli received numerous commissions for altarpieces and frescoes from churches and convents in and around Florence. His works can be found in various churches in Tuscany, as well as in several major museums. Notable works include the 'Virgin and Child with Saints' for the church of Chiesa di Sant'Agostino in Empoli and 'The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian' for the Florence Cathedral.

Despite a long and productive career that lasted well into his late 80s, Jacopo da Empoli did not establish a significant school or following. His art represents a bridge between the Mannerist aesthetic and the emerging Baroque style. He passed away in Florence in 1640, leaving behind a legacy of serene and balanced compositions that continue to be appreciated for their quiet elegance and precision.