Antonello da Messina

Antonello da Messina was an Italian Renaissance painter, active in the 15th century. He was born around 1430 in Messina, Sicily, where he began to study art.

He later moved to Naples and then to Venice, where he was able to study the works of the great masters of the Italian and Flemish Renaissance, such as Jan van Eyck. His work is characterised by a special attention to light and detail, with great skill in the use of the oil technique.

Among his most famous works are 'Crucifixion', 'Annunciation', 'Saint Sebastian' and 'Portrait of a Man', the latter being considered one of the most beautiful portraits of the Italian Renaissance.

Antonello da Messina died in Messina in 1479, but his artistic style influenced many later artists, such as Giovanni Bellini and Albrecht Dürer. His work has continued to be appreciated over the centuries and still represents an important landmark in the history of Italian art.