ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1449-1494

Though his name is perhaps less recognised today, Domenico Ghirlandaio was a prominent figure in the Italian Renaissance movement. His works were highly refined and full of detail, (I always think his portraits look like someone has emphasised and elaborated a Botticelli). He worked primarily across Tuscany painting large fresco scenes for various churches and chapels, including the Santa Fina Chapel at San Gimignano in Siena, the Sassetti Chapel at Santa Trinita in Florence and the Tornabuoni Chapel at Santa Maria Novella, also in Florence. He is also believed to have briefly taught the great High Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

Ghirlandaio was called to Rome in 1483 by Pope Sixtus IV to paint a scene for the Sistine Chapel: he painted Calling of the Apostles (bottom right), and though the artist behind Crossing of the Red Sea is disputed, it is often attributed to Ghirlandaio.