Spinello Aretino (1345-1410)

Spinello Aretino (Spinello di Luca Spinelli) came from Arezzo (hence the name Aretino) and probably trained in Florence, perhaps under Agnolo Gaddi. He was the most prolific muralist of his time and undertook large fresco cycles all over Tuscany. His last series was the cycle devoted to the Sienese pope Alexander III in Siena Town Hall (1408-10). He also painted altarpieces. Spinello borrowed ideas freely from other painters, notably Giotto, but his style was sturdy and vigorous. Several fresco fragments by Spinello are in the National Gallery, London. His son Parri Spinelli (d. 1452) was his assistant. Web Gallery of Art

Aretino's Frescoes, San Miniato al Monte, Florence 1387

Spinello Aretino painted the ceilings (1387) and several frescoes in the Sacristy of San Miniato al Monte. Conventional art filling in the background towards the end of the treicento.




The Sacristy in San Miniato