Giovanni da Bologna

Giovanni da Bologna (1524-1608) called Giambologna was a master student of Michelangelo and the main representative of mannerism on the threshold between Renaissance and the early Baroque. His art presents the melting of influences of his motherland, Michelangelo’s works and antiquity. A lot of prominent masters, which came both from Italy and other countries studied in his workshop. The bronze and marble sculptures, as well as statues, made an important part of his works.

From 1544 to 1550 he was a student of Jacques Dubroeucq in Mons. A lot of other prominent masters, including some from Germany and his motherland Italy (Hans Reichel, Hubert Gerhard, Adriaen de Vries, Pierre Franqueville, Pietro Tacca and others) studied from that artist. The artist went to Florence and soon became the main sculptor at the Medici court.

The high nobility in the whole Europe tried to get some of his works in possession. The great number of works from the studio of Giambologna were unique. He was admitted to the Order of Christ by the Pope and was raised to the nobility by the emperor. Up to his death in 1608 he stayed at the service of Medici in Florence.

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