Benvenuto di Giovanni

Benvenuto di Giovanni, also known as Benvenuto di Giovanni di Meo del Guasta (13 September 1436 – c. 1518) was an Italian painter and artist known for his choral miniatures, pavement designs, and frescoes. Working chiefly in Siena, he was first recognized to be working as an artist in 1453 and continued his work nearly until his death in approximately 1518. During his lifetime, he was influenced by various artists and in the 1480s, Benvenuto's style changed drastically.^[1]

Though Benvenuto did explore other fields of work, painting was consistently a part of his life. His son, Girolamo di Giovanni, followed in his footsteps and also became a painter. In fact, there have often been instances of the work of one of the two being confused for that of the other.^[2] Nevertheless, Benvenuto left behind significantly more works. Some of his works were both signed and dated, some were only signed, and some only dated. However, regardless of debate over date or authorship, Benvenuto left behind a significant number of works, both ones that are quite well known as well as others that are more minor in their distinction. His pieces that are signed, dated, and still existing have dates spanning a period of 43 years.^[1] In addition to the works that he left behind, he also left behind a legacy through the artists that he influenced during his lifetime.