Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Antonello da Messina, an Italian painter, born in 1414. Happening to see a work in oil colours by Van Eyck, he went to Bruges to learn that artist's method, and returning to Italy in 1445 communicated the secret to Domenico Veneziano. In the latter part of his life he imitated so closely the style of his Flemish master that their works are not easily distinguished. He died in 1496.