Baccio Bandinelli: The Self-Elevation of a Renaissance Artist
Baccio Bandinelli:
The Self-Elevation of a Renaissance Artist
Bartolommeo “Baccio” Bandinelli was a Florentine sculpture, painter, and draftsman in the early sixteenth century. Bandinelli practiced his craft during the same period as the famous Michelangelo, who painted the Sistine Chapel, and considered himself Michelangelo’s rival in sculpting. Many critiqued Bandinelli at the time of his work, claiming that his pieces were not as great as Michelangelo or other artists of the time. Despite this, Bandinelli received many high profile commissions throughout his career. The lack of talent or skill in his work did not deter the amount of commissions he won; this was due to the relationship he possessed with his patrons, namely the Medici family. This relationship allowed him to rise in his social status from common sculptor to a noble name. This shift in status was a new development during the Renaissance. Prior to the Renaissance, artists could not escalate their own position and become nobility. Bandinelli achieved this status change by his political ties and personal relationships rather than his artistry skills. Baccio Bandinelli was born to Michelangelo di Viviano of Gaiuole in Florence, 1487. Michelangelo was a skilled goldsmith who frequently worked for the Medici family, creating jewelry pieces and many metal pieces that were on display throughout the city. Baccio began his career as an apprentice in his father’s shop, learning to sketch before creating gold works. Michelangelo discovered that Baccio had an affinity for sculpting and supported his education in the art by sending him to apprentice with Giovan Francesco Rustici, a famous Florentine sculptor. Through this apprenticeship, Baccio found friendship and encouragement from Leonardo Di Vinci, the celebrated Renaissance artist. At this time, Baccio would sketch and sculpt pieces that his father would then gift to prominent Florentine families.1 While learning his craft, Bandinelli
The Self-Elevation of a Renaissance Artist
Bartolommeo “Baccio” Bandinelli was a Florentine sculpture, painter, and draftsman in the early sixteenth century. Bandinelli practiced his craft during the same period as the famous Michelangelo, who painted the Sistine Chapel, and considered himself Michelangelo’s rival in sculpting. Many critiqued Bandinelli at the time of his work, claiming that his pieces were not as great as Michelangelo or other artists of the time. Despite this, Bandinelli received many high profile commissions throughout his career. The lack of talent or skill in his work did not deter the amount of commissions he won; this was due to the relationship he possessed with his patrons, namely the Medici family. This relationship allowed him to rise in his social status from common sculptor to a noble name. This shift in status was a new development during the Renaissance. Prior to the Renaissance, artists could not escalate their own position and become nobility. Bandinelli achieved this status change by his political ties and personal relationships rather than his artistry skills. Baccio Bandinelli was born to Michelangelo di Viviano of Gaiuole in Florence, 1487. Michelangelo was a skilled goldsmith who frequently worked for the Medici family, creating jewelry pieces and many metal pieces that were on display throughout the city. Baccio began his career as an apprentice in his father’s shop, learning to sketch before creating gold works. Michelangelo discovered that Baccio had an affinity for sculpting and supported his education in the art by sending him to apprentice with Giovan Francesco Rustici, a famous Florentine sculptor. Through this apprenticeship, Baccio found friendship and encouragement from Leonardo Di Vinci, the celebrated Renaissance artist. At this time, Baccio would sketch and sculpt pieces that his father would then gift to prominent Florentine families.1 While learning his craft, Bandinelli