Monday, June 30, 2025

Red Hair in Art: Michelino da Besozzo

Michelino Molinari da Besozzo (c. 1370 – c. 1455) was a notable fifteenth century Italian painter and illuminator, who was widely praised for his work. He worked mostly in Milan and Lombardy, and was employed by the Visconti family, rulers of Milan. Michelino's work follows the traditions of the Lombard School, and maintains the Trecento style.

Though few of his works have survived to the present day, Michelino was among the most famous artists of his day, and was widely acclaimed and praised. Remaining examples of Michelino’s work deny the classicizing style of the Renaissance, instead maintaining the more rigid forms of the outdated, Gothic style of the Proto-Renaissance. Michelino's career was most relevant during his time in Milan, where he worked for the Visconti family. Michelino was given major commissions in Milan, and was notably employed to design windows for the Visconti’s cathedral.

Crowning of Gian Galeazzo Visconti

Detail from the Castle of Pavia

Madonna in the Rosary

Page from Libro d'Oro depicting the Annunciation

 

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