Bernardo Daddi, Arrival of Saint Ursula at Cologne - 1333 by Atelier Liesjes

About "Bernardo Daddi, Arrival of Saint Ursula at Cologne - 1333"

by Atelier Liesjes

About the artwork

Three boats approach the German city of Cologne, where Saint Ursula, on his way back north after a pilgrimage to Rome, died a martyr's death with an arrow. Ursula sits under a canopy in the stern of the foreground boat; two of her virgin companions stretch out towards the coast. The middle boat carries Pope Ciriacus and his bishops. More of Ursula's servants follow in the last boat. Banners with the arms of Ursula and Ciriacus fly from the bow of each vessel.

This panel was originally the left wing of a triptych with the crucifixion in the middle and was made for the church of Santa Orsola in Florence. The subject, although common in northern Europe, was rare in Tuscany. Daddi's treatment of the subject is also quite unusual. The panel is filled with surprising, naturalistic details such as the foaming river produced by the straps and the advancing bow of the boat.

Bernardo Daddi (Florence, ca. 1290-1300 - 1348) was an Italian painter. According to most studies he was a pupil of Giotto. He was also influenced by the Sienese painters Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti and by a number of painters of the so-called miniatures, including the Cecilia Master and the Master of the Saint George Codex.

According to documents found, he was active in Florence between 1312 and 1348 and was one of the most important Florentine painters of that period.