THE BASCHENIS FAMILY |
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The Baschenis family
An entire dynasty of artists and fresco painters has left splendid evidence of their work in Trentino.
These are the Baschenis family, travelling painters originally from Averara in the province of Bergamo who between 1470 and 1540 circa, were very active in the western valleys of Trentino (Giudicarie, Rendena, Valle di Non and Valle di Sole). There were about ten of them, all related, and all masters of an extremely particular technique which makes it difficult to distinguish one from the other. Their work was essential and extraordinarily efficient. The paintings have a strong impact upon modern visitors who are fascinated by the work. As a result, it’s not difficult to imagine what sort of effect it had upon men and women who lived four hundred years ago; for example upon seeing the "Dance macabre", the most famous of all Baschenis paintings, painted by Simone in 1539 in the church of San Vigilio at Pinzolo.
If what San Gregorio wrote in 600 is true: that painting is necessary for explining to the common people (at that time illiterate) what they would otherwise be incapable of understanding, then the baschenis paintings are the most efficient means one con possibly imagine. Fortunately the works of this extraordinary dynasty of artists is well preserved and can be admired today on the walls of many churches. And even today, to our eyes, the message is so clear that we are moved to reflect upon the type of lives we lead in these frenetic times.
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