Martino Da Udine (see Pellegrino Da San Daniele) Paintings

Martino da Udine, who is also known by the name Pellegrino da San Daniele, was an Italian Renaissance painter, born around 1467 in San Daniele del Friuli, which was then part of the Venetian Republic. His nickname 'Pellegrino' means 'pilgrim', though it is unclear how this moniker was attributed to him. Martino’s contributions to art are often associated with the Friulian school of painting, which blended Northern European influences with the Italian Renaissance’s emphasis on humanism and classical antiquity.

Martino was initially trained in his hometown, and later his work showed influence from the Venetian school, particularly the works of Giovanni Bellini and Cima da Conegliano. He is known to have been active in Friuli and Venice, where he absorbed the coloristic and compositional advancements that defined Venetian Renaissance art. Martino’s style is characterized by its vivid color palette, attention to detail, and often, a certain softness in the depiction of figures, likely influenced by his Venetian contemporaries.

Throughout his career, Martino da Udine worked on various religious commissions. His works include frescoes, altarpieces, and panel paintings. One of his most significant contributions is the fresco cycle in the church of San Antonio Abate in San Daniele del Friuli, which showcases his mastery of large-scale compositions and his ability to convey narrative through art. His other notable works include the fresco decoration of the Villa di Maser and the altarpiece of the Pieve di San Pietro in Carnia.

Martino's artistic output reflects the transitional nature of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, where the ideals of the High Renaissance were being disseminated throughout Italy, influencing artists in regional centers. He played a key role in the diffusion of Renaissance ideals in the Friuli region, merging local traditions with the broader currents of Italian art. Unfortunately, many of Martino's works have been lost or damaged over time, leaving a limited but significant portfolio through which to understand his contributions to the Italian Renaissance.

Martino da Udine's death is recorded in 1547. Although he may not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, the quality and historical importance of his surviving works continue to make him a subject of interest for art historians studying the spread of Renaissance styles beyond the major urban centers of Italy.