Donato Bizamano

Donato Bizamano (Greek: Δονάτος Πιτζαμάνος; before 1500–1550) was a Cretan Renaissance painter. He was active in Italy in the 16th century along with a relative, Angelo Bizamano, possibly his older brother. His works can be found in the Puglia region, where they had an active workshop. The Bizamano's belonged to the School of Otranto and the Cretan School. The painters mixed the maniera greca or Cretan style and the Italian style prevalent in the region, thus forming the School of Otranto. Giovanni Maria Scupula was another painter who painted in the same style and belonged to the School of Otranto. Giovanni and his brother Fabrizio were active in Otranto in the early part of the 16th century.^[1] They had a successful workshop painting in the Cretan Style, following the approach of the Cretan School. Angelo, Donato, Giovanni, and Fabrizio all painted in the Cretan Style, but there is evidence that Donato and Angelo were of Greek origin and from the island of Crete. Donato has over nine works attributed to him, which are mostly in Italy.^[2][3][4][5]

Donato Bizamano
Virgin and Child
Born	before 1500
Died	1550
Nationality	Greek
Movement	Cretan school School of Otranto
Years active	1539-1542
Style	Maniera Greca Italian Renaissance
Relatives	Angelos Bizamano

Biography

Donato Bizamano was born on the island of Crete. His brother or relative Angelo Bizamano, studied under Andreas Pavias for five years. Angelo typically signed his works Angelus Bizamanus Grecus Cadiotus Pinxit in Otranto (Angelus Bizamanus, the Greek from the Kingdom of Candia, Painted in Otranto). Donato makes his first appearance in 1518 because his works can be found in the region where Angelo was commissioned by the Brotherhood of Santo Spirito in Komolac, Dalmatia, to execute an altarpiece for the Church of San Fermo. Donato's painting of the Virgin and Child is in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Donato makes his first documented appearance in 1532, working alongside Angelos in Otranto and Barletta. In 1539, Donato completed his signed and dated work entitled Madonna and Child with Saints Francis and Catherine. The work is sometimes referred to as Madonna de Constantinopoli. Another work named the Nativity of Jesus completed in 1542, was also signed by the artist. Some of his remaining works can be found in the Vatican, Bari, and Lecce.^[2][3][4][5]

Notable Works

• San Valentino
• Jesus the Redeemer
• Madonna di Costantinopoli

Gallery

• 
  Nativity
• 
  Madonna and Child with Saints Francis and Catherine