Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Fra Bartolomeo died in 1517; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1587.
In context
Lamentation — Fra Bartolomeo
The original measures 158 × 199 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 45 at death.
Painted when the artist was 39. The artist lived to 45. 14 of the 23 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Fra Bartolomeo (1472–1517) ▲ this work, 1511 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1499 Main working years: 1499–1515 Late works: from 1515
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/fra-bartolomeo-lamentation-8Y32HA-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #1e181a
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 28 works by this artist, of which 17 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 6 of them, with 6.5% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Prato, Italy
Born Baccio della Porta on March 28, 1472, in the Tuscan town of Savignano di Prato, Fra Bartolomeo’s early life was steeped in the vibrant artistic atmosphere of Renaissance Italy. The nickname “Baccio della Porta” itself—meaning “Kiss of the Gate”—hints at a humble beginning, his family dwelling near the Gate of San Pier Gattolini. His formal training began around 1483 or 1484 when he entered the workshop of Cosimo Rosselli, a well-regarded Florentine painter known for his expansive fresco cycles. This apprenticeship provided a crucial foundation in the technical skills and stylistic conventions of the period, exposing young Baccio to the burgeoning artistic innovations sweeping through Florence. It was during this formative time that he began to absorb the principles of perspective, composition, and color that would later define his own unique style. From 1490 or 1491, a significant collaboration with Mariotto Albertinelli further honed his skills; their partnership resulted in shared commissions and a fertile exchange of artistic ideas, solidifying Baccio’s position within the Florentine art scene.
The late 1490s marked a turning point in Fra Bartolomeo's life, profoundly influenced by the fiery sermons and moralistic teachings of Girolamo Savonarola. The Dominican friar’s denunciation of worldly vanities and perceived corruption within Florentine society resonated deeply with Baccio, leading him to question the purpose and value of artistic representation. This spiritual crisis culminated in a pivotal moment: in 1500, profoundly moved by Savonarola's message, he renounced painting altogether and entered the Dominican Convent of San Marco as a friar. His most famous work from this period, the portrait of Savonarola painted in 1498, stands as a powerful visual testament to the reformer’s influence. The intensity of Savonarola’s gaze and the stark simplicity of the composition reflect the austere religious climate of the time. For several years, Fra Bartolomeo dedicated himself entirely to religious life, seemingly abandoning his artistic pursuits. However, fate—and the needs of his order—would soon intervene.
In 1504, at the behest of his superiors within the monastery, Fra Bartolomeo was asked to resume painting, becoming head of the San Marco workshop. This marked a remarkable return to artistic creation, but one transformed by his years of spiritual contemplation. His style began to evolve towards an idealized High Renaissance aesthetic, characterized by serene compositions, graceful figures, and a masterful use of light and shadow. The “Vision of St. Bernard” (1507), though now in fragile condition, exemplifies this new direction—its ethereal quality and harmonious balance reportedly captivated the young Raphael during his visit to Florence. A close friendship blossomed between the two artists, fostering a reciprocal exchange of ideas and techniques. Fra Bartolomeo eagerly absorbed Raphael’s knowledge of perspective, while imparting his own expertise in coloring and the delicate rendering of drapery. This collaboration proved pivotal in shaping both their artistic trajectories. His figures became more elegant, imbued with a sense of inner peace and spiritual grace, and he increasingly focused on capturing the subtle effects of light upon form.
Fra Bartolomeo’s contributions to Renaissance art extend beyond his religious paintings. He was also a pioneering figure in landscape art, creating some of the earliest pure landscape sketches from Italy—remarkable for their sensitive observation of nature and atmospheric effects. These drawings demonstrate an early interest in capturing the beauty of the natural world, foreshadowing later developments in landscape painting. Throughout his career, he produced numerous altarpieces for churches across Italy, including works commissioned in Venice, Lucca, and Besançon. His final work, a fresco of “Noli Me Tangere” (Do Not Touch Me) at Pian di Mugnone near Fiesole, stands as a poignant culmination of his artistic journey. Fra Bartolomeo’s influence on Raphael is undeniable, contributing to the development of High Renaissance art. He uniquely combined profound religious devotion with exceptional artistic skill, creating works that served both spiritual and aesthetic purposes. His career represents a crucial transition from the earlier Florentine style towards the idealized forms and balanced compositions characteristic of the High Renaissance. Fra Bartolomeo died in Florence on October 31, 1517, leaving behind a legacy of serene beauty, spiritual depth, and artistic innovation that continues to inspire awe and admiration today.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/fra-bartolomeo-lamentation-8Y32HA-en/
Look closely
Lamentation — Fra Bartolomeo
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The recorded dimensions of "Lamentation" by Fra Bartolomeo are 158 x 199 cm. Reproductions can be ordered in other sizes while keeping the same proportions.
Works similar to "Lamentation" are listed on the artwork's Similars page.
"Lamentation" by Fra Bartolomeo is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. This status governs how the image of the work may be reproduced.