In 1545, Jacopo da Pontormo scored a major commission from Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici to paint the main chapel of Florence’s church of San Lorenzo. A contemporary of masters like Michelangelo, Pontormo was a distinguished but aging artist who was eager to secure his legacy.
Why Seclusion Is the Enemy of Creativity
In 1545, Jacopo da Pontormo scored a major commission from Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici to paint the main chapel of Florence’s church of San Lorenzo. A contemporary of masters like Michelangelo, Pontormo was a distinguished but aging artist who was eager to secure his legacy and make these frescoes the crowning achievement of his career. He sealed off the entire chapel so that no one could steal his ideas, and spent eleven years holed up — painting Creation itself. But when the legendary Renaissance writer Vasari finally saw Pontormo’s work, he reported a confused composition and unsettling lack of alignment. Pontormo’s self-imposed solitude skewed his perception of the bigger picture. Leaders can learn from this: Don’t paint yourself into a corner. It’s all too easy for people in positions of power to erect metaphorical walls just as impenetrable as Pontormo’s chapel, and if they aren’t mindful, they can seclude themselves in ways that are similarly destructive. Self-awareness and clarity are skills that develop from interacting with others. Leaders need to master these skills to remain a source of inspiration, guidance, and vision for their teams.