Simone Martini facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Simone Martini
Petrarch's Virgil (title page) (c. 1336) Illuminated manuscript, 29,5 x 20 cm Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan
Born	Simone Martini c. 1284 Siena, Republic of Siena
Died	July, 1344 (aged 59–60) Avignon, Comtat Venaissin
Nationality	Italian
Education	Duccio di Buoninsegna
Known for	Painting, Fresco
Notable work	Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus
Movement	International Gothic

Simone Martini (born around 1284 – died 1344) was a famous Italian painter from Siena. He was a very important artist who helped create the International Gothic style of painting. This style became popular across Europe.

Many people believe Simone Martini learned to paint from Duccio di Buoninsegna. Duccio was the most important painter in Siena at that time. Another art writer, Giorgio Vasari, thought Simone was a student of Giotto di Bondone. Vasari said they even went to Rome together to paint in a church called Old St. Peter's Basilica. Simone's brother-in-law, Lippo Memmi, was also an artist. We don't have many records about Simone's life, so art experts sometimes disagree about which paintings he made.

Simone's Life and Art

Simone Martini likely started learning art at a young age, which was common back then. One of his first known works is the Maestà from 1315. You can see this painting in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena.

A Unique Painting Style

Simone's art was very special. It was different from the serious and strong style of Florentine art. His paintings are known for being soft, elegant, and very decorative. They often have flowing lines and a fancy, courtly look. Simone's style was influenced by French manuscript illumination (decorated books) and ivory carvings. These beautiful artworks came to Siena along the Via Francigena. This was a major road for travelers and traders from Northern Europe going to Rome.

Important Works and Travels

Simone Martini painted many other important artworks. One is Saint Louis of Toulouse Crowning His Brother Robert of Anjou (1317). He painted this in Naples for the king. While there, he may have taught students like his son Francesco.

Other famous paintings by Simone include the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Polyptych in Pisa (1319). He also painted the beautiful Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus (1333). This painting is now in the Uffizi gallery in Florence. Simone also created frescoes (wall paintings) in the San Martino Chapel. This chapel is in the lower church of the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi.

Friendship with Petrarch

The famous poet Francis Petrarch became friends with Simone when Simone was in Avignon. Petrarch even wrote two poems that mention a portrait of a woman named Laura de Noves. He said Simone painted this portrait for him. Another painting, Christ Discovered in the Temple (1342), can be seen at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

Simone Martini passed away in 1344. At the time, he was working for the Pope's court in Avignon.

Gallery of Simone Martini's Art

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  The Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus, 1333

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  Annunciation Diptych, 1333

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  Saint Catherine of Alexandria Polyptych, 1319

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  Virgin and Child with Saints (Boston Polyptych), c. 1321–25

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  The Miracle of the Child Attacked and Rescued from the Blessed Agostino Novello Triptych, c. 1328

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  Christ Discovered in the Temple, 1342

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  Maestà, 1315, Palazzo Pubblico, Siena

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  Detail of the Maesta

See also

A robot for kids

In Spanish: Simone Martini para niños