ORCAGNA, ANDREA

(Andrea del Cione; c. 1308-1368)

Florentinepainter, sculptor, and architect who, along with his brother Nardo del Cione, decorated theStrozzi ChapelatSanta Maria Novella, Florence. Orcagna's contribution consisted of analtarpiecetitled theEnthroned Christ with Madonna and Saints(theStrozzi Altarpiece), which he executed in 1354-1357. In 1359, Orcagna executed the massive tabernacle atOrsanmichele,Florence, in marble,mosaic, gold, and lapis lazuli. This elaborate work includesreliefsfrom the life of theVirginand a painted panel byBernardo Daddiof theEnthroned Virgin and Child. From 1358 to 1362, Orcagna is documented in Orvieto supervising the execution of the mosaics on the façade of the cathedral. His last work was theSt.MatthewAltarpiece(Florence,Uffizi), commissioned by the Arte di Cambio, theGuildof Money Changers, in 1367 to be placed on one of the supporting pillars in Orsanmichele. Orcagna fell seriously ill while working on the commission and died. The task fell to his brother, Jacopo del Cione, who completed the altarpiece at the end of the 14th century.