Agnolo di Cosimo di Mariano (known as “Bronzino” because of
his dark complexion) was born on November 17th 1503 near Pisa. His background
was not particularly illustrious but he was apprenticed to the successful
artist Jacopo Pontormo, where he learned the style of high Renaissance painting
derived from the style of Michelangelo. Under the guidance of his mentor
he worked on a series of religious commissions and portraits, first in Urbino
and, later, in Florence. Although religious painting was considered to be
the height of creative endeavour, Bronzino’s real talent was in portraiture
where he balanced meticulous detail in dress and appearance with a breathtaking
boldness in the use of colour. His subjects stare out at the viewer, exuding
dignity, arrogance and status.
The high point of Bronzino’s career was during between 1537 and 1555
when he was official artist to the court of Cosimo 1 Duke of
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