The Master is named after the 'Pala Sforzesca', an altarpiece of 1494/5 now in the Brera, Milan. This has portraits of Lodovico 'il Moro' Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and his family as donors. In style the altarpiece shows a combination of the old Lombard manner of Foppa and other 15th-century Milanese artists, and that of Leonardo, who arrived in Milan about 1482. Hence, although we do not know who the Master was, the place and time he worked can be specified with some confidence.
Master of the Pala Sforzesca
active about 1490 - about 1500
Works by Master of the Pala Sforzesca
A bearded saint stands in a scalloped niche in this small painting. This is Saint Paul, the so-called Apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews), holding his usual emblems of a book and a sword. Paul was a Jewish convert to Christianity. He was originally hostile to the new faith but experienced a dramat...
Not on display
In this miniaturised altarpiece, the Virgin Mary sits with an enormous Christ Child on a gilded throne. They are flanked by four saints, and in the foreground six men and six women kneel in prayer, the men on the Virgin’s right-hand – and more honourable – side. They are stylishly dressed in the...
Not on display