The Formative Years and Florentine Beginnings
Born in the vicinity of Florence, Bernardino Monaldi began his artistic journey under the guidance of the Florentine painter Girolamo Macchietti, a family friend whose influence is evident in Monaldi's style. Following his early training, he enrolled in the Accademia dell’arte del disegno in 1590, where he studied for five years.
His early career was marked by significant fresco cycles and religious commissions. Between 1587 and 1590, he executed three lunettes for the oratorio of San Pierino in Florence, including the Martyrdom of Saint John the Evangelist. During these same years, he produced works for the church of Sant'Angelo a Lecore in Signa, featuring the Madonna with Child, saints, devotees, and the mysteries of the rosary, as well as a Madonna in throne with Child, saints, and a donor for the church of San Lorenzo.
Expansion and Major Works
At the end of the 16th century, Monaldi moved to Abruzzo to collaborate with the painter Giulio Cesare Bedeschini. His work during this period included the Nascita di Cristo for the Duomo of L'Aquila, the Nascita della Vergine for the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione in Poggio Picenze, and the Pentecoste in Sulmona.
Upon returning to Florence, he worked on the decoration of the chiostro degli Angeli in the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, creating seven paintings for the northern side known as the Ciclo di San Romualdo. His later career included the Funerali di Sant'Alberto in 1612 and the Martirio di San Mattia in Castelli. One of his most significant surviving works is the fresco cycle of the Storie di Mosè in the Casino Branconio, which depicts four episodes from the Exodus.
