Giambologna

Jean (de) Boulogne (1529–1608) was a Flemish sculptor whose name would later be Italianised to Giovanni da Bologna or Giambologna.

Like many northern European artists, Giambologna moved to Italy in order to study classical antiquities. He would eventually be enticed to work for the Medici rulers of Florence, who recognised his talent and appreciated his business-like approach to commissions.

As court sculptor to the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, he created many monumental masterpieces in marble and bronze which still embellish public spaces and museums in Florence. These include his Abduction of a Sabine Woman, his Hercules and Centaur (both Loggia dei Lanzi) and the equestrian bronze of Cosimo I de’ Medici (Piazza della Signoria).

Giambologna’s works were not only technically brilliant in terms of finish, they were equally admired for their compositional three-dimensionality, and the fact that they demanded to be observed from numerous viewpoints. But more importantly for Giambologna’s legacy was that he was also a master of the small-scale bronze, a talent which endeared him to his Medicean patrons, who recognised the diplomatic value of sending his jewel-like creations to fellow European rulers with whom they wished to curry favour.

The appearance of these bronzes in numerous courts across the continent meant that Giambologna’s artistic influence was widespread and long-lasting. Giambologna’s fame also continued well after his death. His studio ‘assistants’, the most important being Antonio Susini (active 1580–1624), who were considered masters themselves, continued to produce Giambologna’s brilliant models until the middle of the 17th century.