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Giovan Francesco Penni

c. 1496-1528 Italy/High Renaissance

 

Brief Biography-Giovan Francesco Penni was born in Florence. At a young age, he was a disciple of Raphael and later became his assistant, earning the name Il Fattore, the Steward. He undertook several works for his master in Rome at the Pope’s palace and chapel. Raphael was so satisfied with his assistance that he left Penni his estate in alliance with Giulio Romano on his death. Both finished, with Pierino del Vaga, the Battles of Constantine, and several other works left unfinished by Raphael. They later parted ways because of a dispute over the Transfiguration, which the Pope sent to the King of France. In 1525 Romano went to work for the Marquis of Mantua, and Penni worked for the Marquis del Vasto in Naples; however, he died not long after arriving there. Pennis’ brothers Luca and Bartolommeo enjoyed successful careers as artists. Bartolommeo worked at the court of Henry VIII in England and Luca at the château of Fontainebleau in France.

 

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clement I with the
features of leo X

clement I with the features of leo X

madonna of
divine love

madonna of divine love

madonna with the
blue diadem

madonna with the blue diadem

portrait of
a young man

portrait of a young man

the holy family
of the book

the holy family of the book