Giambologna
Giambologna, born Jean de Boulogne, was a Flemish sculptor who lived from 1529 to 1608. He worked in the Mannerism, or Late Renaissance art style that was popular in Italy during the mid to late sixteenth century. Giambologna was one of the preeminent artists from this school, and its popularity across Europe is partly due to the quality of his art.
Giambologna was born in Flanders in modern day France. He originally studied in Antwerp before moving to Rome, Italy in 1550 to pursue architecture and sculpture. Once in Italy, Giambologna found inspiration and influence from the work of the Italian master, Michelangelo.
Giambologna developed his own style which became central to the Mannerism school. Instead of the heavy emotional and Hellenistic style of work of Michelangelo, Giombologna’s own work was focused on beauty, elegance, and a clean look. His work was well-respected and popular across Europe, spreading the ideals of the Mannerism school with it. Giambologna first achieved notoriety after receiving his first major commission from Pope Pius IV to create figures for the monumental Fountain of Neptune located within the Piazza del Nettuno in Bologna, Italy.
Giambologna soon moved to Florence where he produced his most well-known pieces. The Medici family hired Giambologna as one of their court sculptors. This esteemed position kept the sculptor with work and wealth, but it also kept him in Florence for the rest of his life. The Medici family kept Giambologna employed, partly because they did not want him to share his artistic talents with the Hapsburgs. Giambologna died in 1608 at 79 years of age. He is interred at the Santissima Annunziata chapel, in Florence, Italy.
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