The work of Plautilla Nelli (1523-1588) consists of a variety of biblical classicism. According to the source, Nelli is the first documented female artist from Florence, Italy. She had originated as a nun, serving the church in Piazza San Marco. The source explains that Nelli discovered the works of Savonarola studied this particular style. Nelli's work paved the way for other women artists, and brought an original style to the art in which she had created.
In Nelli's portrayal of The Last Supper, now located in a private viewing collection, represents the experience of Christ and his disciples. According to the source, this painting follows the representation of classic still-life paintings, and the smooth transitions in the clothing compliment the overall style of the painting. 
The Pentecost, pictured above, is another celebrated work of Nelli. Like the depiction in The Last Supper, This image provides smooth, classic transitions and a contrast of light and dark colors. Nelli's influence from the works of Savonarola and Bartolomeo can be witnessed in this painting along with many others in Nelli's collection.
Sources:
http://www.theflorentine.net/articles/article-view.asp?issuetocId=1475
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plautilla_Nelli
http://www.advancingwomenartists.org/suor-plautilla-nelli-restoration.php
1 comment:
Jacob, I like how you picked a woman who painted biblical passages. This time period shows a transition that included touches of realism (as in more humanistic-realistic features instead of abstract ones like from the Middle Ages), but it also contains strong roots in religion, which was still very important to many people. (If I remember correctly from my Art History class, not many paintings were commissioned with secular scenes.) Biblical classicism is an interesting style that shows this transition from medieval abstractness to renaissance realism.
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