Domenico Ghirlandaio - An Elite Artisan and His World

Domenico Ghirlandaio (1448–1494) was a master of Renaissance art, celebrated for his vivid frescoes and detailed portraits. Admired by Lorenzo de’ Medici and teacher to Michelangelo, his work reflects the vibrant artistic culture of fifteenth-century Florence. This book examines Ghirlandaio’s career in the context of the craft traditions, guilds and workshops that shaped his art. It also analyses his famous works, such as the Santa Maria Novella frescoes and the portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni, revealing the creative and technical processes behind them. By uncovering the social and cultural influences on Ghirlandaio’s art – including family ties and religious affiliations – the book offers a rich portrait of an artist whose work continues to inspire today.