Sculpture in the Age of Giambologna

This lecture will consider the role of Jehan Boulongne, better known as Giambologna (1529-1608) as leading exponent of the Florentine mannerist style through his Medici court commissions as well as his influence on contemporary sculptors. His early works were characterized by elongated figures and dramatic poses, reflecting the Mannerist style. In Florence, Giambologna achieved great success with his innovative sculptures, such as the Flying Mercury (1563-1580) in bronze, the Rape of the Sabines (1581-1583) in marble, and the Venus at the Bath (1575-1580) in bronze. These works, renowned for their technical virtuosity and expressive power, solidified Giambologna's reputation as one of the leading sculptors of his time.

Detail of Giambologna’s Sabine Group (1583) Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Florence