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A goitrous model for Bartolomeo Vivarini (1432–1499)

  • Endo&Art
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Abstract

Introduction

Bartolomeo Vivarini (Venezia 1432c.–Venezia 1499c.) was an Italian painter during the Renaissance. The artist was widely influenced by Andrea Mantegna, whose opera was characterized by personages with anatomical details meticulously described.

Materials and methods

Some of the most valued paintings of Bartolomeo Vivarini were analyzed. Purpose of the present article is to describe these artworks focusing on female personages represented with thyroid swelling.

Results

A recurring female model in Vivarini’s artworks is portrayed with a goitrous neck. This might display a real prevalence of thyroid diseases among young women in the Renaissance age (e.g. postpartum thyroiditis).

Conclusions

Representation of goiter in the artworks of Vivarini and Mantegna reflects the increased anatomic accuracy and knowledge developed in art since Renaissance and Baroque.

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References

  1. Traversari M, Ballestriero R, Galassi FM (2017) A likely case of goiter in the Madonna Col Bambino Dormiente (1465/1470) by Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506). J Endocrinol Invest 40:237–238

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy

    R. Accorona, S. Torretta & L. Pignataro

Authors
  1. R. Accorona
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  2. S. Torretta
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  3. L. Pignataro
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. Accorona.

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On behalf of all the authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest. All of the authors have read and approved the manuscript.

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Accorona, R., Torretta, S. & Pignataro, L. A goitrous model for Bartolomeo Vivarini (1432–1499). J Endocrinol Invest 43, 1179–1180 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-020-01217-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-020-01217-5

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