Bronzino

Bronzino, born Agnolo di Cosimo (c. 1503–1572), was an Italian painter of the Florentine school and one of the leading figures of Mannerism. He trained in the workshop of Jacopo Pontormo and established himself in Florence, where he later served as court painter to the Medici for several decades, notably under Cosimo I and his successors. His talents extended across portraits, religious scenes, and allegorical works, often produced for noble patrons.

Bronzino's paintings are marked by an elegant, polished manner, elongated figures, and a cool, architectural clarity. The surfaces are smooth, with refined contours and meticulous detail. His compositions frequently combine restrained emotion with intricate iconography, producing portraits that are as much about status and genre as about physical likeness. The results helped define Florentine Mannerism and influenced generations of artists.

Among his notable works are portraits of Medici family members, including Eleonora di Toledo with her son Giovanni de' Medici, as well as religious and allegorical scenes.

Bronzino's influence extended through his workshop, which trained a number of followers who disseminated his elegant, mannered approach. He remained active in Florence until his death in 1572, leaving a lasting imprint on the development of Italian painting during the mid-16th century.