Brief Biography-Francisco de Holanda, the illuminator, was born in Lisbon. He was the son and pupil of Antonio de Holanda, a royal illuminator. King John III of Portugal employed Francisco to illuminate books in his library. His method of placing colours exceeded that of his father; this encouraged the King to send him to Italy to further his skills. In Italy, he became acquainted with notable artists such as the Croatian illuminator Giulio Clovio, the poet Vittoria Colonna, the sculptor Baccio Bandinelli, and the painters Pierino del Vaga, Parmigianino, and Sebastiano del Piombo. He also gained a friendship with Michelangelo, who influenced him greatly. He returned to Portugal in 1548 and wrote an account of his experiences with the arts for the King. In the library of the Escorial in Spain, there is a manuscript by him with illuminations of the King. He worked for King John III and later for King Sebastian and was also a historian and architect. He died in Lisbon in 1584.