Tanzio da Varallo facts for kids

Tanzio da Varallo, David and Goliath, painted around 1625.

Antonio d'Enrico, known as Tanzio da Varallo, was an Italian painter who lived from about 1575 to 1633. He was an important artist during a time when art styles were changing. His paintings often showed strong feelings and dramatic scenes. He is known for his unique way of using light and shadow.

About Tanzio's Life and Art

Tanzio was born in a small village called Giacomolo, in a place called Alagna Valsesia. He mostly worked as an artist in two regions of Italy: Lombardy and Piedmont.

One of the special places he worked was the Sacro Monte in Varallo Sesia. This was a holy mountain with many chapels, each showing scenes from the life of Jesus. Tanzio painted amazing scenes there, sometimes working alongside another famous painter named Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli.

Tanzio's paintings often had a dramatic style. He was influenced by a style called Tenebrism. This style used strong contrasts between light and dark to make parts of the painting stand out, almost like a spotlight. This made his art feel very powerful and sometimes a bit intense, like his painting David with Goliath from around 1620.

He also painted a lively and crowded scene called Battle of Sennacherib (1627–28) for the Basilica of San Gaudenzio. This painting shows how his work at the Sacri Monti, where he created big, theatrical scenes, influenced his other art.

Tanzio also had a brother named Melchiorre who was a painter. Melchiorre studied in Milan and painted a "Last Judgment" for a church in Riva.

Some of Tanzio's Famous Paintings

Tanzio da Varallo created many artworks during his life. Here are a few examples:

• Madonna and Child with Saint Francis and a Donor (around 1610): This painting shows the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus with Saint Francis and a person who likely paid for the painting. It is in the parish church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Colledimezzo.
• Pentecost (5 pieces): These paintings, which show the Holy Spirit coming down on the apostles, were once in a church in Naples and are now in the Museo di Capodimonte.
• Saint Charles Attends Those Afflicted with Plague (1615–16): This painting shows Saint Charles helping people who were sick with the plague. It can be found in the collegiate church of Santi Gervasio e Protasio in Domodossola.
• Saint Sebastian Cared for by Saint Irene and an Angel: This artwork shows Saint Sebastian being helped after being injured. It is part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
• Christ Taken to the Court of Pilate for the First Time (fresco, 1617–18): This is a wall painting at the Sacro Monte in Varallo Sesia, in Chapel XXVII.
• Pilate Washes His Hands (fresco, 1619–20): Another wall painting at the Sacro Monte, in Chapel XXXIV, showing a famous biblical scene.
• David with the Head of Goliath: This dramatic painting is located in the Pinacoteca Civica in Varallo Sesia.
• Adoration of the Shepherds (1605–1610): This painting shows shepherds visiting baby Jesus. It is in the Palais des beaux-arts de Lille.
• The Flight into Egypt: This painting shows Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus escaping to Egypt. It is in The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.
• Sennacherib Defeated by the Angel (around 1618): This painting shows a powerful biblical battle scene. It is in the Museo Civico in Novara.

Tanzio's works are found in many churches and museums, showing his lasting impact on art.

See also

In Spanish: Tanzio da Varallo para niños