Andrea Solario, also known as Andrea di Bartolo, was an Italian Renaissance painter who was born in 1460 in Milan. He was significantly influenced by the works of Leonardo da Vinci, which is evident in his use of sfumato and his soft, detailed rendering of subjects. Solario's brother, Cristoforo Solario, also known as Il Gobbo, was a sculptor and may have played a role in Andrea's early artistic education.
Solario likely traveled to Venice early in his career, where he was influenced by the works of Giovanni Bellini and other Venetian masters. By 1490, Solario was in Milan, where he came into contact with Leonardo da Vinci, who was working on 'The Last Supper' at that time. Solario's work from this period shows a strong Leonardo influence, particularly in the use of chiaroscuro and in the psychological depth he gave to his figures.
In 1507, Solario traveled to France, where he entered the service of Louis XII. His French period was marked by a series of important commissions, including altarpieces and portraits, reflecting the taste of the French court for Italian Renaissance art. One of his most famous works from this period is the 'Lais of Corinth', which showcases his skill in rendering textures and his ability to capture the character of his sitters.
Returning to Milan in 1515, Solario continued to paint and receive commissions. Some of his notable later works include the altarpiece 'The Madonna with the Green Cushion' and the 'Virgin and Child with Saints'. Despite his achievements, Solario did not gain the same lasting fame as some of his contemporaries, and his work was sometimes overshadowed by more prominent artists of the time.
Andrea Solario died in 1524, leaving behind a body of work that, while it may not have earned him the acclaim of the leading lights of the Renaissance, demonstrates a high level of technical skill and a distinctive approach to composition and character portrayal. His art provides a fascinating insight into the cross-currents of Italian and French Renaissance styles and bears witness to the international nature of Renaissance art.
