Cosimo Rosselli Italian artist. Country: Italy

Biography of Cosimo Rosselli

Cosimo Rosselli was an Italian artist who may not be considered innovative, a genius, or a prominent figure in art history, but he remains an integral part of the history of painting and culture. Born in Florence, Rosselli began his artistic education at the age of 14 under the tutelage of Neri di Bicci, a relatively unremarkable artist for his time. Rosselli studied under Bicci from May 1453 to October 1456 before moving on to work with Alesso Baldovinetti.

In 1459, Rosselli received his first commission for an altarpiece in the Florentine church of Santa Trinita; unfortunately, this work has been lost. There are speculations that Rosselli also worked with Benozzo Gozzoli, as there are stylistic similarities between their works. In 1460, Rosselli worked as an assistant to his cousin, the artist Bernardo di Stefano Rosselli. He also drew inspiration from artists such as Verrocchio, Sandro Botticelli, and the Pollaiolo brothers, Antonio and Piero.

One of Rosselli's early works mentioned by Vasari, who is a prominent Italian art historian, is the "Assumption of the Virgin" in the church of San Ambrogio in Florence. Vasari praised another fresco by Rosselli in the same church, particularly for its portrayal of the young scholar Pico della Mirandola.

In the spring of 1481, Rosselli was invited by Pope Sixtus IV to Rome to decorate the Sistine Chapel alongside artists such as Pietro Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Sandro Botticelli. It was a great honor for Rosselli. Ironically, Vasari tells an anecdote about how Rosselli attempted to impress the Pope by using vibrant colors and excessive gilding in his work, hoping to overshadow his lack of creativity and drawing skills. However, the Pope was enamored by Rosselli's work, considering it superior to the others, leading to a series of unfortunate events for the other artists.

In the Sistine Chapel, Rosselli's frescoes include "The Descent from Mount Sinai," "The Last Supper," and "The Sermon on the Mount." There is also a fresco called "The Drowning of Pharaoh," which is sometimes attributed to Rosselli, although its authorship is debated. Rosselli's style partially influenced his student, Piero di Cosimo, who was nicknamed after his teacher.

During the later years of his life, Rosselli's painting style became drier and less expressive, possibly in response to the influence of Girolamo Savonarola, a prominent religious figure whom Rosselli admired. Some of Rosselli's notable students include Piero di Cosimo, Fra Bartolomeo, and Mariotto Albertinelli.

Rosselli passed away on January 7, 1507, after a debilitating illness. He was buried in the Church of Santa Croce in Florence.

"Although Cosimo was not an exceptional or outstanding painter for his time, his works were still valuable." - Giorgio Vasari. In summary, this statement accurately describes the legacy of Cosimo Rosselli.