About the Artist

Benozzo Gozzoli (1420 Florence-1497 Pistoia) was originally named Benozzo di Lese. He is credited with combining the painting styles of Tuscany and Umbria, and thereby facilitating the transition between the Gothic and the Renaissance styles. Around 1444 he collaborated with the sculptor Lorenzo Ghilberti (c. 130-1455) in Florence, and about 1448 he collaborated with Fra Anglico in the Vatican City. He then began working as an independent master in Montefalco, San Gimignano, Florence and Pisa. In addition to fresco cycles, he also produced panel paintings. A lively narrative style of successive episodal scenes, as well as a fresh colour paletter, are characteristic of his work. Among the artist's works are Virging and Child Enthroned with angles and Saints, 1461, The National Gallery, London; The Dance of Salome and the Beheading of John the Baptist, 1461, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.; and Crucifixion, 1491, Museo Horne, Florence.