Pesellino: A Renaissance Master Revealed

This catalogue introduces the little-known Renaissance artist Pesellino, exploring his exquisite miniatures, his narrative cassone panels, and grand altarpieces

During his brief but varied career, Francesco Pesellino (c. 1422-1457) rose to notable heights, receiving prestigious commissions from the pope and becoming a favourite of Florence’s ruling Medici family. His death at the age of only 35 cut short a rising star of the early Renaissance. Praised as a painter of ＂cose picole＂ (small things), Pesellino was a remarkable draughtsman and miniaturist, excelling in fine details and the characterful depiction of animals. His works were not limited to those on a small scale, however: he was also an accomplished painter of grand altarpieces.

This catalogue introduces Pesellino’s work to a wider audience and celebrates his extraordinary abilities. Beautifully illustrated essays explore his life and work, and the recent conservation of the Gallery’s painted cassone panels depicting the story of David and Goliath, where the artist’s skill as a storyteller is matched by his technical mastery. The first publication in English dedicated to Pesellino, it provides a comprehensive overview of the artist, as well as new insights into his work.

Published by National Gallery Global/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The National Gallery, London
(December 7, 2023-March 10, 2024)

Laura Llewellyn is Curator of Italian Paintings before 1500, and Jill Dunkerton is Restorer, both at the National Gallery, London. Nathaniel Silver is the former Curator of the Collection of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and is now Executive Director and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village, Massachusetts.