Painter Lazzaro Bastiani died on 5 April 1512. Born in Padua in 1429, Bastiani and his early training are both little understood. His fascination with classical forms, though, has led some to suggest the impact of Andrea Mantegna on Bastiani’s emerging style. Bastiani migrated to Venice in the late 1440s and soon after became associated with the artists of the Bellini family. Documented work alongside Giovanni Bellini dates to the early 1460s, and in 1480 Bastiani collaborated with brother Gentile Bellini for the Scuola Grande di San Marco.
By that point, though, Bastiani’s prestige as an artist was already established. Honored with membership within the Scuola di San Girolamo around 1470, Bastiani was also called upon to paint the likeness of Venetian Doge Francesco Foscari (seen above) around the same time. Later, in 1508, he was involved in the valuation of the extended fresco cycle created by Giorgione (now lost) for Venice’s Fondaco dei Tedeschi.
Further reading:
Michael Bryan, Dictionary of Painters and Engravers, Biographical and Critical, vol. 1 (London: George Bell and Sons, 1886).
Portrait of the Venetian Doge Francesco Foscari, 1457-1460. Museo Civico Correr, Venice.
Bearded Man with Falcon (Attributed), c. 1500. Oil on canvas. The Courtauld Institute of Art, London.
The Madonna of Humility, c. 1470. Tempera on Panel. Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan.
The Martyrdom of Saint George, c. 1495. Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Adoration of the Magi, 1470. Tempera on poplar panel. The Frick Collection, New York.
Portrait of of the Philosopher Lucio Crasso, c. 1500. Oil on wood. National Gallery of Australia.
Saint Lucy and Kneeling Donor, c. 1480-1490. Oil on wood. Portland Museum of Art/Kress Foundation.