GHIRLANDAIO, Domenico
(b. 1449, Firenze, d. 1494, Firenze)

Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple (detail)

1486-90
Fresco
Cappella Tornabuoni, Santa Maria Novella, Florence

In the group at the right Ghirlandaio depicts famous contemporary artists (including himself) who can be identified from the description of Vasari as Alesso Baldovinetti, Bastiano Mainardi, Davide and Domenico Ghirlandaio.

Vasari wrote that "one of these, the old, clean-shaven man in a red cap, is Alesso Baldovinetti, Domenico's master in painting and mosaic...", who was probably portrayed from life since he died later, in 1499. "... Another, standing bareheaded, his hand at his side, in a red mantle, with a blue vest beneath, is Domenico himself, drawn with the help of a mirror...".

"... The man with black hair and thick lips is Bastiano da San Gimignano, the artist's pupil and brother-in-law...". It is possible that he became part of Ghirlandaio's circle at the time of the Stories of St Fina. Subsequently he married Alessandra, Domenico's sister, and became his most well-known and recognizable disciple. "... and the other, with his back turned and wearing a cap, is Davitte Ghirlandaio, his brother, the painter".