Vivarini

views updated

Vivarini (vēvärē´nē), Italian family of painters originating in Murano. They executed innumerable altarpieces that reflect the trends of the 15th cent. in northern Italian painting, from Gentile da Fabriano to Giovanni Bellini. Antonio Vivarini, b. c.1415, d. between 1476 and 1484, established a thriving workshop with his brother-in-law, Giovanni d'Alemagna. A joint work is Madonna Enthroned (Academy, Venice). Work signed only by Antonio includes an altarpiece in the cathedral of Parenzo and one in the Vatican. His brother was Bartolomeo Vivarini, c.1432–c.1499, who copied the style of Mantegna. Several of his altarpieces are in the Academy, Venice. Alvise Vivarini, c.1446–c.1503, son of Antonio, painted altarpieces (Academy, Venice; Naples) and some portraits.