BASSA, Arnau
(active in second half of 14th century)

The Consecration of St Marcus (detail)

c. 1350
Panel
Cathedral of Manresa, Barcelona

The Italo-Gothic style, which arose in Catalonia during the second quarter of the fourteenth century, is characterized by balanced forms and a grave mannerism. Figures are painted against monochrome or gold backgrounds in a formula that barely hints at a third dimension. The style was introduced by Ferrer Bassa of Barcelona, a miniaturist and painter in the service of Alfonso IV and Pedro IV of Aragon. His known works cover the period from 1324 to his death in 1348. Bassa's style was fully developed by his own son, Arnau, and by Ramón Destorrents.