COSTA, LORENZO (1400-1535). An Italian painter, born in Ferrara. He was a pupil of Cosimo Tura and Ercole Roberti in Ferrara. and perhaps of Francesco Costa. Vasari says he also studied the works of Gozzoli and Lippi in Florence. After his return to Ferrara he painted several works now destroyed. In 1483 he went to Bologna, where he remained almost constantly until the fall of his patrons, the Bentivoglio family, in 1506, and there he began his connection with Francis. The artists had a joint school, and worked as co-painters. Costa first influenced Franeia, but afterwards it was the other way. As a colorist Costa is inferior to Francia. Many of his best paintings are in the Bolognese churches. Among those may be mentioned; "A Madonna with Members of the Bentivoglio Family" (1438) in San Giacomo Maggiore, a characteristic example, admirable in its fresh. simple, sincere treatment and master ly drawing: "The Triumph of Life and Death."
and frescoes, in the same church: an "Annuncia tion" and "Madonna" (1492) in San Petronio; and frescoes in Santa Cecilia. After he left Bologna he went to Mantua, where he lived until his death. Later works include the "Court of Isabella d'Este" (in the Louvre) and the "Dead Christ" (1504, Berlin Museum) they are rare outside Italy. Doss(). Garofalo. and others ear tied on the traditions of the Ferrarese School, of which many consider Lorenzo Costa the founder.
Consult: Morelli, ltuliun Painters: Critical Studies of Their Works, translated by Constance Jocelyn Efoulkes (London, 1802-93) ; Vasari, Licts of the Pain tcr.s. translated by Blashtield (New York. 1807) ; Crowe and Cavaleaselle, His tory or Painting in North Italy (London, 1871).