Coppo di Marcovaldo

[3] It is speculated by many historians that Coppo was taken prisoner by the Sienese where he was then held at the church of Santa Maria dei Servi.

Assumed to be a prisoner of war, the question is raised as to why a Florentine artist was asked to execute such an important Sienese painting.

[4] The Madonna del Bordone is the only surviving documented work by Coppo and it is believed that his signature and the date were still visible on the painting around 1625.

In his work, Coppo used the method ‘tecnica a velatura,’ in which he began by laying down the purest colors, which were then covered by tinted varnishes and glazes which helped to evoke a sense of volume.

[9] It is evident that this Florentine artist studied during his time in Siena suggested by his later use of a more balanced space, graceful poses and gestures, and an interest in varied textures – all elements derived from Sienese painting.

[10] As well, Coppo was strongly influenced by the Byzantine style characterized by its emphasis on light, shadow, and volume that in combination was used to create the illusion of life.