Born as Garrison di Tommaso Carradi di Doffo Bigordu, he became Ghirlandaio because of his status as a garland maker. Later on, his art style became renowned, although it was often critiqued for its brightness and excessive richness of colours. He began his career as an apprentice in his father’s goldsmith shop. Ghirlandaio made jewellery that resembled garlands. From making jewellery, he reached the position of a prominent painter who did several prominent fresco works.
Early Life
Ghirlandaio was among the six children of his father Tommaso Bigandi and his mother Antonia di ser Paolo Paoli. He was an apprentice in his father’s goldsmith shop. He specialised in making jewellery like garlands. This is where he got the name “Il Ghirlandaio”. He had a natural talent as he began by painting the portraitd of the passers by and visitors. In this way, he caught attention. He eventually became an apprentice of Andrea del Verrocchio and Alesso Baldovinetti.
Artistic Journey
Ghirlandaio is known for his excellent fresco paintings. After his apprenticeship, he began his fresco paintings for chapels. One of his earliest works can be traced to the Chapel of Santa Fina between 1477-78. The subjects were about the death of Saint Fina. Another one is his painting “St. Jerome in his study” in the church of Ognissanti, Florence. Furthermore l, he did frescoes at the Palazzo Vecchio. In 1481, he was invited to paint the walls of the Sistine Chapel. Other works of his include those in the Sassetti Chapel of Santa Trinita, the altarpiece of the Sassetti Chapel, and the altarpiece.
Themes
Ghirlandaio’s art themes revolved around biblical narratives and events. Since he received important commissions, his art style was a mix of elite portraiture and classical humanism. We thus find figures such as the Virgin Mary and Christ in modern 15th-century landscapes.
Inspiration
His art was inspired by North European Realism and the then-contemporary Florentine daily life. Owing to his work with his masters, he was influenced by Renaissance painters like Andrea del Castagno and Alesso Baldovinetti. He was inspired by real citizens and often included details such as wrinkles and rough hands.