What is it about Italy that makes it such a fertile seedbed for artistic genius? So many of the truly brilliant artists came from the Italian peninsula—not just in the past, but today, too.
One of today’s great artists is Marco Caratelli, who lives and works in Siena, Italy. He stands out for his use of ancient techniques: He specializes in the rare and beautiful egg-yolk tempera technique. He’s been compared to Fra Angelico and other all-time influential artists.
Caratelli follows in the extraordinary tradition of famous classic painters. He paints and sells traditional art reprographics, replicating the work of the great painters of Siena from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
He reproduces the world-renowned "Biccherne" panels, which were painted wooden covers placed over the accounting ledgers of the City of Siena from the 13th to 16th centuries. The panels were painted by famous Renaissance masters. As with the originals, Marco's recreations are painted on aged quality wood and covered in pure gold leaf.
In addition, Marco creates luminous copies of Siena's beautiful gilded icons. His work preserves the atmosphere of medieval Siena and the tradition of fine painting.
Aleteia had the chance to catch up with Marco recently. Here’s our conversation with "the modern Fra Angelico."
What inspires you as an artist?
Why did you decide to make art using ancient techniques?
