Niccolò da Bologna

He was active from about 1349 to 1403. He is known for his expressive figures and crowded, action-filled narrative scenes. The first signed works by Niccolò are all copies of Gratian's ‘Decretals’, one of the standard works of canon law. He and his workshop later illuminated a variety of other manuscripts, including university texts, choir books and other liturgical texts, private devotional books, and even works of secular poetry and drama. Niccolò also illuminated a number of specialty books made for various corporate groups in the city, such as statute books and guild registers. He was a financially successful artist who was appointed illuminator to the city of Bologna in the 1380s and was an active member of city government. He was the uncle of the artist Jacopo di Paolo (active 1371-1426).

Training under Jacopo della Quercia is recorded. Brussels Initials Master is recorded as having studied under Niccolò da Bologna. Places of work recorded in the authority are Bologna. Work by Niccolò da Bologna is recorded in the collections of museum Huis Bergh and J. Paul Getty Museum.

• Illustration — Niccolò da Bologna's tempera, gold and ink on parchment, 1494-1502, Metropolitan Museum of Art • Illustration — The Birth of John the Baptist, miniature on vellum by Niccolò da Bologna, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, late 14th century • Illustration — The Marriage, 1350s, miniature on vellum by Niccolò da Bologna, 1350s, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC