Vecchietta (Lorenzo di Pietro)
(Italian, 1410–1480)
Place ActiveSiena, Siena, Europe
SchoolSiennese
BiographyLorenzo di Pietro di Giovanni, known from an early age as Vecchietta, or “little old woman,” was prominent as both painter and sculptor in Siena. First noted for his sculpture in polychrome wood, he later turned to bronze, influenced by the example of Donatello, who worked in Siena during the 1450s. Vecchietta also received commissions elsewhere in Tuscany and in Rome, which he visited at least twice. The election in 1458 of a Sienese compatriot to the papacy as Pius II no doubt enhanced his career.Source: Art in The Frick Collection: Paintings, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1996.
