Domenico Beccafumi - Landscape with Catacombs

Domenico Beccafumi was an Italian Renaissance painter and sculptor, born in 1486 in Montaperti, near Siena, Italy. Also known as Domenico di Pace, he was part of the Sienese school of painting. He studied under the famous painter Il Sodoma and was greatly influenced by the works of Michelangelo. Beccafumi's early works were primarily religious paintings, but he later expanded his repertoire to include secular subjects. His style was characterised by a strong sense of movement and a dramatic use of light and shadow. His paintings often featured elongated figures with exaggerated poses and gestures. One of Beccafumi's most famous works is the cycle of frescoes in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II. He also painted a number of altarpieces for churches in Siena and the surrounding area. As well as painting, Beccafumi was also a skilled sculptor and created a number of bronze reliefs and sculptures. He died in Siena in 1551.