born 0441; 1526, Urbino, Duchy of Urbino, Papal States
died 1612, Urbino
Italian painter.
Except for two visits to Rome (mid 1550s, 156063), where he painted frescoes for Pope Pius IV's casino in the Vatican Gardens, he seems to have spent his whole life in and near Urbino. He executed altarpieces and devotional paintings in a style characterized by subtle colour harmonies and warmth of feeling. His patrons included the duke of Urbino and Emperor Rudolf II (15521612), and he received commissions from the cathedrals of Genoa and Perugia. His famous works include the Deposition (156769) and the Madonna del Popolo (1579). A prolific draftsman, he was one of the first artists to use coloured chalks. He enjoyed a long and productive career, becoming one of the leading painters in central Italy.