Brief Biography-Pietro Dandini from Florence had his first instruction from the Florentine calligrapher and draughtsman Valerio Spada. His uncle, the reputable artist Vincenzo Dandini who Pietro da Cortonahad instructed, took him into his atelier after seeing his talents. He saw that Pietro attended lectures on human anatomy to understand the body’s structure. Due to his excellent instruction, he became one of the most successful Florentine artists of his time. Dandini toured Italy and spent much time in Venice copying the works of artists such as Veronese, Titian and Tintoretto; Correggioalso influenced him. Grand Cosimo III and Prince Ferdinand engaged him to do frescos when he returned to Florence. His works consisted of universal subjects from landscapes to portraits, and his perception of chiaroscuro was of note. His two sons, Octtavianno and Vincenzo, also became artists. His uncle Cesare who also instructed his younger brother Vincenzo was the first successful artist in the family.