The Story Behind these Pinturicchio Prints

Pinturicchio (1454-1513), (birth name Bernardino di Betto) was an Italian painter during the Renaissance, belonging to the Perugian Renaissance School, who is best known for his paintings and frescos.

As a young man, Pinturicchio assisted prominent artists of the time, such as Botticelli, Vanucci and Perugino with the decoration of the Sistine Chapel. After this, he was employed to decorate a series of chapels as well as the Borgia Apartments in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. These rooms are now part of the Vatican Library.

Pinturicchio’s nickname means ‘Little Painter’, given because of his small stature. He appears to have been quite happy with the designation, using it to sign some of his 15th and 16th-century artworks.