around 1454 -1513 · Perugia, Rome, Orvieto and Siena

However, grotesques, precious colors and abundant narration make Pinturicchio the great decorator of Renaissance courts and pontificates.

Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio, was born in Perugia around 1454 and died in Siena in 1513. His nickname, "little painter", which he himself used, probably refers to his size. Trained as a miniaturist, he developed an exceptional attention to detail, color and decorative surface. He began in Rome in Perugino's studio during the construction of the Sistine Chapel between 1481 and 1483, then quickly established himself as an independent master. He started in Rome in Perugino's studio during the construction of the Sistine Chapel between 1481 and 1483, then quickly established himself as an independent master. He started in Rome in Perugino's studio during the construction of the Sistine Chapel between 1481 and 1483, then quickly established himself as an independent master. He worked under five pontificates and received immense commissions: chapels of Santa Maria del Popolo, Belvedere Palace, Duomo of Orvieto, Borgia Apartment in the Vatican and received Piccolomini Library in Siena. The Borgia Apartment, made quickly between 1492 and 1494 with a numerous workshop, constituted the summit of his art. Fresco and dry painting, stucco, gilding, waxes and precious pigments transform the rooms into a total universe. In the panels, the same miniature culture remains visible. Crucifixion between Saints Jerome and Christopher combines landscape, devotion and sharp silhouettes; The Virgin and Child and Saint John tightens emotion; The Virgin and Child enthroned with saints deploys an altar hierarchy; Virgin and Child favors intimacy and detail. Pinturicchio organizes vast teams without losing narrative precision. His art thus unites material splendor, humanist erudition and popular readability. The "Pinturicchio" selection notably compares Crucifixion between Saints Jerome and Christopher and The Virgin and Child and Saint John. His reading favors movement.

Pinturicchio paints like a miniaturist turned architect: every detail shines closely, but every detail together transforms the room into a complete world.