Giorgio Ghisi

called Mantovano, 1512–1582, Mantua

Giorgio Ghisi was a brilliant draughtsman and engraver from Mantua whose reputation extended well beyond the borders of Italy and stretched as far as Flanders. He lived in Rome before moving to Antwerp in 1550. Here the artist worked for several years as a reproductive engraver for the famous publishing house run by Hieronymus Cock. In 1555/56 he was in Paris and Fontainebleau. In the course of his travels the humanist-trained Ghisi took due note of the accomplishments of Northern European artists and derived inspiration from the works of renowned predecessors.