Born in Venice around 1485, Sebastiano trained in the Venetian artistic environment and moved to Rome around 1511. There he became an important painter of portraits and religious subjects, and collaborated with Michelangelo on designs for major compositions. He later received the papal office of keeper of the lead seal, from which his familiar name derives. He died in Rome in 1547.
Bible Artist
Sebastiano del Piombo
Sebastiano del Piombo was a Venetian-born Renaissance painter who combined rich Venetian color with the monumental figure style associated with Michelangelo.
Dates: 1485–1547
Nationality: Italian
Born: Venice, Republic of Venice
Died: Rome, Papal States
Also known as: Sebastiano Luciani
Biography
Artistic Style
Sebastiano's work brings together atmospheric color, strong modeling, and imposing figures. His mature religious compositions frequently emphasize physical presence and solemn emotion.
Biblical Art Significance
His treatments of the Raising of Lazarus, the Judgment of Solomon, Christ Carrying the Cross, and the Pietà make him an important interpreter of both Testaments and the Passion narratives.
Notable Works
The Raising of Lazarus; The Judgment of Solomon; Pietà of Viterbo; Christ Carrying the Cross