Beccafumi, Domenico di Pace

Beccafumi, Domenico di Pace (dōmĕ`nēkō dē pä`chā bāk-käf`mē), 1486–1551, Italian mannerist painter and sculptor, also called Il Meccherino. He studied painting in Siena and Rome and was a versatile engraver and sculptor. He is best known for his frescoes in the city hall in Siena and for his designs of scenes from the Old Testament for the pavement of Siena Cathedral (1518–46). Among his other works are Holy Family (Pitti Palace, Florence) and some fine sculptural work for the Siena Cathedral. Nativity of the Virgin, Descent into Limbo, and St. Michael (all in Siena) exemplify the peculiar spatial and lighting effects of mannerism. Holy Family with Angels is in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.