Mantegna, Andrea << mahn TEH nyah, ahn DREH ah >> (1431-1506), was a leading painter of the Italian Renaissance. He painted sculpturelike figures that are sharply outlined and precisely detailed. The surfaces of his figures seem like marble. Mantegna used perspective for dramatic effects, with many figures appearing as if seen from below. He was also a famous engraver. Mantegna’s engravings influenced many other painters, including the famous German artist Albrecht Dürer.
Mantegna was born in Isola di Carturo, Italy, near Padua. He received his early art training in Padua and soon earned a reputation as a painter. In 1459 or 1460, he entered the service of the ruling Gonzaga family in Mantua. Mantegna spent the rest of his life there and painted the Gonzagas in superb frescoes. Mantegna also painted several portraits and altarpieces.
