Enriko Tediche Italian artist of the Pisa school. Country: Italy

Biography of Enrico di Tedice

Enrico di Tedice was an Italian artist of the Pisan school. His name was discovered on a painted cross from the church of San Martino in Pisa, which read "ENRICUS QUONDAM TEDICI ME PINXIT." This led researchers to search in two directions - through archival records and among stylistically similar works from the 13th century. It was found that Enrico was the brother of Pisan artist Ugolino di Tedice and the uncle of another artist, Ranieri di Ugolino.

In the archival records, Enrico's name appeared twice. The first time was in a document where Archbishop Federico Visconti ordered the rector of the church of Santa Maria di Tombolo to sell a piece of land for the reconstruction of the church building. This document indicated that the di Tedice brothers had a workshop on Via Santa Maria in Pisa. Their collaborative work was further confirmed by another document dated March 12, 1260, in which Archbishop Federico Visconti ordered the transfer of land to the brothers as payment for previously completed artistic works.

Art historian Oswald Siren speculated that the di Tedice brothers likely acquired their initial skills in their father's workshop (the archival documents mentioned the name Tedice Burelli or Morelli). Enrico's art was based on the Pisan tradition that had developed by the mid-13th century and was heavily influenced by Byzantine art. In his works, one can see echoes of several Pisan altarpieces from the first half of the century and the influence of the Berlinergeri workshop. In his painted crosses, he could not escape the influence of Giotto Pisano. However, Enrico's style was more expressive, characterized by concise drawings, a limited palette of bright colors, and strong contrasts of light and shadow.

In addition to the only signed cross from San Martino, Enrico di Tedice's brush is currently attributed to the following works: the altarpiece "Descent from the Cross" from the church of San Bernardo (1260s, now in the San Matteo Museum in Pisa), which is considered his most mature work; the "Madonna and Child with Four Passion Scenes" (Florence, Bargello Museum); a painted cross from the church of San Giovanni Battista (San Giovanni alla Vena, Vicopisano); and the "Madonna and Child" from the church of San Verano, Peccioli.