(Siena 1486–1551)
The Women of Croton,
oil on canvas, 53.5 x 35 cm, unframed

Provenance:
Private collection, Austria;
where acquired by the present owner

The present painting is an example of a modello brought to a high level of refinement in preparation for the production of a fresco. The same group of figures as in the present composition is found on the right side of the fresco depicting Zeuxis painting a portrait of Helen, painted in 1519, in the Palazzo Bindi Sergardi, Siena.

The frescoes of Palazzo Bindi Sergardi are significant examples of Beccafumi’s artistic development, as well as his most important works, displaying a pictorial language, which brings together the expressive freedom of the first Florentine Mannerism, derived from Rosso Fiorentino and the classicism of Raphael.

The present painting illustrates the tale of Zeuxis, who was commissioned to paint a portrait of Helen for the Temple of Hera in Croton. In order to portray her, Zeuxis gathered the most beautiful women of the city to create a composite of their most beautiful characteristics, so as to achieve the image of ideal beauty for his portrait.

When compared to the final work, the present painting shows some variations: the forms are defined in a more detailed manner, the proportions are elongated, the faces show distinct classicism. The execution is of quality, fast and confident, coherent with Beccafumi’s bozzetti.

Typical of the Sienese master is the chromatic variety based on light tones, as well as the use of colour, harmoniously blended with the chiaroscuro. In his quest for elegance, the artist developed formal solutions of great charm, which appear to foreshadow the work of Parmigianino, thereby marking Beccafumi as one of the great protagonists of early Mannerism.