Cimabue, born as Cenni di Pepo around 1240 in Florence, was a prominent painter and mosaic artist in the late Middle Ages. Known as the "Father of Italian Painting," Cimabue played a pivotal role in the transition from the Byzantine-influenced medieval art to the more naturalistic styles that would characterize the Renaissance.
Details about Cimabue's early life are sparse, but it is widely believed he received his initial training in Byzantine Art, which was the predominant style in Italy during his youth. His artistic education likely took place in Florence or perhaps in Rome, where he could have studied the works of Byzantine Mosaics.
Cimabue's work is characterized by:
Cimabue was a key figure in the evolution of Italian Painting. He is often credited with influencing Giotto, one of his students, who would further develop the naturalistic approach to painting. While Cimabue's work remained largely within the medieval tradition, his innovations laid the groundwork for future artists to explore the human form and emotional expression more deeply.
Cimabue is believed to have died around 1302, but the exact date and place of his death are uncertain. Many of his works were lost or damaged over time, and some were only recently rediscovered or reattributed to him, like the painting found in France in 2019, which was sold for millions.