Francisco De Holanda

Place: Lisbon

Born: 1517

Death: 1585

Biography:

Francisco de Holanda was a Portuguese artist, architect, and art essayist who played a significant role in the Portuguese Renaissance. Born in 1517 in Lisbon, Portugal, he served as a court painter for the kings João III of Portugal and Sebastião of Portugal. His artistic style was influenced by his stay in Italy, where he studied the works of renowned artists such as Michelangelo.

Artistic Career

Francisco de Holanda's artistic career began at the age of 20, when he worked as an illuminator. He later studied in Italy between 1538 and 1547, where he frequented the circle of Vittoria Colonna, a notable figure of the Italian Renaissance. This exposure to Italian art and culture had a profound impact on his artistic style, which is evident in his paintings, such as those found in the Museu Nacional da Música (Lisbon, Portugal). After returning to Portugal, Francisco de Holanda obtained various commissions from the reigning King of Portugal and other prominent figures. He was known for his Classical style, which is reflected in his drawings and paintings, including those found in the Grão Vasco National Museum (Viseu, Portugal).

Writings and Contributions

Francisco de Holanda was also a prolific writer, and his most notable work is the treatise "Da pintura antigua" (Of Ancient Painting), which was the first treatise on painting written in the Iberian peninsula. This manuscript, completed in 1548, showcases his knowledge of art and his passion for Classicism. He also wrote about urbanism and architecture, as seen in his essay "Da fábrica que falece à cidade de Lisboa" (On the construction lacking to the city of Lisbon).

• His writings on art and architecture can be found on The Museum Chiesa di San Severo (Italy) page.
• More information about his artistic style and contributions can be found on the Francisco De Holanda page.
• His biography is also available on Wikipedia.

Legacy

Francisco de Holanda's legacy as a Portuguese artist and art essayist is undeniable. His contributions to the Portuguese Renaissance are still studied and admired today. His paintings, such as those found in the Museu Nacional da Música (Lisbon, Portugal), continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike. Francisco de Holanda's work can be seen as a bridge between the Italian Renaissance and the Portuguese artistic tradition, making him a unique figure in the history of art. His emphasis on Classicism and his passion for architecture and urbanism have left a lasting impact on the art world. More information about his life and work can be found on Gregório Lopes page, which provides an overview of the Portuguese artistic tradition during the Renaissance.