Antonio Allegri da Correggio
- Born:
- August 1489, Correggio, Italy
- Died:
- March 5, 1534, Correggio, Italy
- Nationality:
- Italian
- Profession(s):
- Painter
Early Life and Education
- Born Antonio Allegri in Correggio, a small town near Reggio Emilia.
- Likely received early artistic training from his uncle, Lorenzo Allegri.
- Possibly studied with Francesco Bianchi Ferrara in Modena.
Career and Major Achievements
- Considered one of the most important painters of the High Renaissance in Northern Italy.
- Known for his masterful use of perspective, foreshortening, and di sotto in sù (seen from below) perspective.
- Pioneered illusionistic ceiling painting, creating dramatic and dynamic compositions that appeared to extend beyond the architectural boundaries.
- Worked primarily in Parma, decorating the cupolas of the churches of San Giovanni Evangelista and Parma Cathedral.
Notable Works
- Vision of St. John the Evangelist (cupola of San Giovanni Evangelista, Parma)
- Assumption of the Virgin (cupola of Parma Cathedral)
- Jupiter and Io (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna)
- Leda and the Swan (Gemäldegalerie, Berlin)
- Ecce Homo (National Gallery, London)
Legacy and Impact
Antonio Allegri da Correggio's innovative use of illusionism, light, and perspective significantly influenced Baroque painting and the development of illusionistic ceiling decoration. His works remain highly regarded for their dynamism and emotional intensity, solidifying his position as a major figure in Renaissance art. This Antonio Allegri da Correggio biography highlights his lasting contributions.