Maso Finiguerra

Maso Finiguerra , 1426-64, Florentine goldsmith and engraver during the Renaissance. In the 1450s he joined with Antonio Pollaiuolo. It is said that Pollaiuolo created original designs that Finiguerra translated into different media. An example of such collaboration is the pax of the Crucifixion for the baptistery of St. John, Florence, executed in niello engraving by Finiguerra. Others include the Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne and Crucifixion (both: British Mus.). For the latter works he used the new process of copperplate engraving. Of his own design were the wood panels for the sacristy of the cathedral in Florence (1463) and some niello plaques now in the Metropolitan Museum.

Finiguerra, Maso (1426–64). Florentine goldsmith, engraver, designer, and the most famous craftsman of the day in niello (a type of decorative metal inlay). Vasari asserts that Finiguerra was the inventor of copper engraving and although this claim has been discredited, the technique did develop in Italy as an extension of niello work. He is said to have often worked from designs by Antonio del Pollaiuolo.

Finiguerra, Maso (b Florence, Mar. 1426; bur. Florence, 24 Aug. 1464). Florentine goldsmith, engraver, designer, and the most famous craftsman of the day in niello (a type of decorative metal inlay). Vasari asserts that Finiguerra was the inventor of copper engraving and, although this claim has been discredited, the technique did develop in Italy as an extension of niello work. He is said to have often worked from designs by Antonio Pollaiuolo.