Domenico di Michelino (1417-1491)

Domenico di Michelino was active in Florence at the height of the 16^th century. He was greatly influenced by the work of Beato Angelico, but also studied the example of Alessio Baldovinetti. Michelino is mentioned by Leonardo in the Codex Atlanticus (f. 42v). Among his works is a delightful Madonna dell’umiltà today in the Museo di Bigallo in Florence, but he is known above all for the large fresco, Dante e la Divina Commedia, commissioned in January 1456 for the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore. His patrons were so pleased with the work, which scrupulously followed the model provided but was embellished with additional scenes, that they paid him more than the agreed-upon sum. Other paintings in Florence and beyond have been somewhat tenuously attributed to Michelino based on stylistic grounds.